What is Malware and How Can it Be Prevented?
Malware is software used to steal or disrupt your computer, tablet or mobile device. It gets into your system through a phishing email, virus-infected file, malicious website, infected USB flash drive or other method of access. Once in, cybercriminals have the ability to do any number of things: take over your device, collect account information, encrypt or erase files, steal computer resources (like processing power or memory), send advertising revenue, change browser settings or launch additional attacks like DDoS and spamming.
The most familiar malware types are viruses and worms, named for how they spread by making copies of themselves. A virus usually infects other executable programs, but can also infect text files or even the operating system itself.
Trojan horses are another common type of malware. They usually act as a backdoor by contacting a controller to request additional software to be installed or stealing data like passwords, login details, browsing history and more. More recently, trojans have been used to deliver ransomware, a form of malware that locks up your files and demands a payment to unlock them.
Emerging forms of malware are increasingly sophisticated, using techniques like polymorphic code to create multiple versions of itself and evading detection by antivirus programs. Fortunately, emerging tools are helping to fight back. For example, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions can detect and isolate threats in real time to prevent malware infections and mitigate damage.