BotNet News

Like the flu, malware infects computers, systems, tablets and mobile devices. It disrupts their function and steals data or other resources from them. It can even hijack core computer functions and commandeer them for malicious purposes, such as stealing money from your bank accounts.

Malware includes a broad range of cyber threats: viruses, ransomware, Trojans, spyware, worms, rootkits and botnets. Some are state-sponsored, while others are sold to criminals by security companies that specialize in developing advanced surveillance malware. The most common types of malware attack desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices running Windows, Android or other operating systems. IoT devices are also increasingly being targeted by malware developers.

Many malware attacks rely on you being gullible enough to open an infected attachment or click an infected link. Once an infection occurs, it’s very easy for malware to spread to other devices on your network or to other computers, laptops and mobile devices on the internet.

The most common purpose of malware is financial gain. Threat actors can sell stolen identity information and passwords on the dark web or use it to make fraudulent transactions. They can also use malware to encrypt business or personal data, hold it hostage and demand payment for its return.

Other uses include data exfiltration, whereby a cyber threat steals a device’s sensitive information and then leaves it unprotected for other threat actors to access and exploit. This is often the objective of malware that’s referred to as ransomware.