BotNet News

Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt, damage or steal data from computers, posing a threat to individuals and businesses. Threats include ransomware, cryptojacking, adware, spyware, botnets, point-of-sale (PoS) malware, Trojan horses, and more. Malware is often spread through email attachments, websites, instant messages, or file-sharing programs. It can be downloaded from third-party apps and even bundled with legitimate software that you’ve unknowingly installed by checking “additional software” or clicking on a popup ad.

Types of malware include:

Viruses. These viruses replicate by infecting other files, programs, and networks, and may corrupt the system or change security settings. They can also send information to a cybercriminal or even control your device. Viruses are commonly found in email attachments, social networking sites, peer-to-peer network downloads, and removable drives.

Worms. These self-replicating programs exploit security vulnerabilities and copy themselves without a host program, spreading rapidly. Unlike viruses, worms can do significant damage in short amounts of time.

Other malware includes:

Spyware and RATs spy on you, steal your data, or give attackers backdoor access to your system. They can install keyloggers to record your keystrokes and capture passwords, login credentials, banking information, and other sensitive information. POS Trojans attack PoS systems to steal credit card, debit card, and PIN numbers, as well as payment information. Ransomware encrypts your files and denies you access until you pay a ransom, typically in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.