What is Malware and How Does it Affect Your System?
Unlike the flu, which has a season, there’s no predictable time of year when malware infections begin. Like the flu, however, malware interferes with normal functioning and can wreak havoc. Malware is an umbrella term for a variety of computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and adware that threat actors use to infect PCs, tablets, smartphones and enterprise networks, steal data or information and hijack core functions.
The most basic type of malware is a computer virus, which reproduces itself and spreads from one file or program to another on the same system or to systems in a network. Viruses and worms can also do things such as alter the code of programs, hijack and redirect web search results, spy on user behavior and display unwanted advertisements (adware).
Trojans, spyware, bots and adware can all hide on your device or network and make unauthorized changes without your knowledge and permission. Many are disguised as useful applications such as a file converter, PDF reader, shopping tool or caller ID feature on your smartphone. Once on your system, these programs can steal data, encrypt files or change your browser settings.
Attacks that require back-and-forth communication with a command and control server, such as Trojans or ransomware, are typically more invasive than other types of malware. This is because they often squatter hard drives with extra software, called bundleware, that you didn’t request and don’t want on your system.