What Is Malware and How Does It Affect Your Computer?
Malware, or malicious software, is any program or code that a cybercriminal uses to gather information, monitor web browsing and keyboard activity, gain access to private systems, or cause damage and disruption. It’s found in everything from file attachments and websites to compromised apps and image files. It’s spread via many different methods, including phishing, vishing, smishing, spam email and SMS phishing messages. Bad guys also take advantage of security vulnerabilities in legitimate websites to display malware to unsuspecting users. And they use online advertising to spread malware as well, which is called malvertising. It’s the same as fake ads that appear on your desktop or mobile device, except they contain malicious code. The ads will download and install malware onto your system without you knowing it.
Ransomware is one of the most devastating types of malware. Bad guys encrypt data and prevent victims from accessing it until they receive a ransom payment, which is usually in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The crooks then threaten to leak the data online or commit other crimes. According to the IBM 2020 Cost of a Data Breach report, ransomware was responsible for 52% of the breaches they studied.
Keyloggers are another type of malware that collects your passwords, login credentials and other personal information without your knowledge. They can even capture your web browsing history and keyboard activity, which is why they are also referred to as spy tools. Cybercriminals often disguise them as programs that monitor your computer activity, such as a security suite or a video streaming app. They also hide them in popular apps and file formats, so they look like legitimate software that you would download on your own.