How to Protect Your Computer From Malware and Other Malicious Software
Malware is any software that’s been built to damage or exploit your devices or steal data, and it comes in many forms. The main types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more. It’s important to know what each one does, how it works, and the warning signs of an infection so you can keep them at bay.
Ransomware encrypts your files, demands money, and disables your systems. Typically, it’s delivered through malicious links in phishing emails, but unpatched vulnerabilities and policy misconfigurations can also let it in.
Trojans disguise themselves as useful programs (a free download, a game, or a system update) and trick you into installing them. Once they’re in place, they can open a backdoor for an attacker, steal data, or install additional malware. This is a common tactic for hackers who want to stay undetected and inflict as much damage as possible before they’re caught.
Spyware collects personal or sensitive information without your knowledge, such as browsing habits, login credentials, or financial data. It can then be sold to third parties or used for identity theft.
A botnet is a network of compromised computers controlled by a hacker, or ‘bot herder’, to send and receive commands. These commands can crash a system, inject more malware, harvest credentials, or run CPU-intensive tasks.