What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Computer?
A malicious computer program used to interfere with the normal functioning of a system. Malware can steal data, encrypt files, lock devices, commandeer computers and networks to power botnets and spy on activity without the user’s knowledge or permission. Like the human flu, malware can spread from person to person. It can cause businesses to lose revenue, destroy digital medical equipment and steal industrial secrets that took decades to develop thereby erasing competitive advantage. Whether it’s ransomware that locks files and demands payment or cryptojacking where hackers use your device to mine for cryptocurrencies, the motives of attackers vary.
Malware can be delivered to systems through a variety of physical and virtual means including USB drives, popular collaboration tools, drive-by downloads and exploit kits. Once infected, the malware can spread via backdoors that provide escalated access to systems and networks or through Trojans that allow them to communicate with an attacker’s command and control servers. From there, the Trojans can download additional malware and attack more systems.
While Apple iOS devices are less susceptible to malware than desktop and laptop PCs, they can still be infected by phishing attacks and links in email, instant messages, apps and social media platforms that aren’t properly vetted. Additionally, a jailbroken iPhone can be reprogrammed to download malicious applications from an untrustworthy source. Some malware attacks include logic bombs that activate at a certain time or when another condition is met such as a 20th log-on to an account.