Cyber attacks and malware are one of the biggest threats on the internet. Learn about the different types of malware – and how to avoid falling victim to attacks.
What is malware?
Malware is shorthand for malicious software. It is software developed by cyber attackers with the intention of gaining access or causing damage to a computer or network, often while the victim remains oblivious to the fact there’s been a compromise. A common alternative description of malware is ‘computer virus’ — although are big differences between these types malicious programs.
What are the different types of malware?
Like traditional software, malware has evolved over the years and comes equipped with different functions depending on the goals of the developer. Malware authors will sometimes combine the features of different forms of malware to make an attack more potent — such as using ransomware as a distraction to destroy evidence of a trojan attack.
What is ransomware?
While some forms of malware rely on being subtle and remaining hidden for as long as possible, that isn’t the case for ransomware. Often delivered via a malicious attachment or link in a phishing email, ransomware encrypts the infected system, locking the user out until they pay a ransom — delivered in bitcoin or other cryptocurrency in order to get them back.