BotNet News

Malware is any kind of software that carries malicious intent and targets computers, systems, networks or devices. It can steal data, slow down or even crash systems, or spread from device to device and network to network. There are many different types of malware: worms that can self-replicate and infect devices without any user action; viruses that latch onto clean files or programs to spread; spyware that quietly monitors devices; keyloggers that capture passwords and other sensitive information; and more. Each type of malware performs a little differently, but the common denominator is an attacker’s malicious intent to cause harm.

Hackers are getting smarter and better at their craft, but there are things you can do to help keep malware out of your system. The first step is knowing the warning signs.

Annoying ads and pop-ups that appear when you’re browsing the web are usually caused by adware (malicious software that uses the device to deliver unwanted advertisements). System crashes or the dreaded Blue Screen of Death indicate malware is interfering with important system processes, possibly in an attempt to hide from detection. A sudden decrease in available disk space is another potential indicator of malware activity.

Clicking on a suspicious link or downloading an untrustworthy file could unleash malware, especially if the website has poor backend security. Visiting a compromised webpage is also a common way for malware to get on your computer through so-called drive-by downloads. Unauthorized file-sharing sites, sketchy email attachments and fake security pop-ups are other ways malware can enter your system. Viruses, Trojans and ransomware are among the most popular forms of malware. The 2010 Stuxnet worm, for example, infiltrated Iran’s nuclear facilities through USB and destroyed one-fifth of its centrifuges.