What You Need To Know About Malware

Viruses 

Viruses are a type of malware that is self-replicating. Viruses can cause data theft, as well as many other issues. Viruses alter existing code to deliver payloads. Viruses allow an attacker to execute malicious code on a victim’s device. To combat this many people download antivirus software. Important to note though antivirus works off signatures. So when an antivirus scans a file it looks for programmed signatures of viruses. However if an attacker is able to change the signature of the virus to something the antivirus hasn’t seen then the antivirus is useless.

Worms

Worms are a standalone program. However the target of worms is usually a network as opposed to a singular system. A worm will start by exploiting a vulnerability in a singular system on a network. Then use the connection of that system to gain access to the full network. Using worm programs is popular among hackers looking to create a botnet.

Trojans

Trojans are programs designed to look like a program you would actually want. The programs trick you into downloading them. Usually using a method of phishing, attackers will convince you to download a trojan. Which will give them back door access to the computer. With back door acces attackers can steal passwords, personal data, and much more.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware designed to extort victims out of their money. Ransomware starts by trojan, phishing or some other type of malware. Then a malicious code designed to lock and encrypt files and sell the decryption key. Although there is another type of ransomware that locks your system and gives you limited access to your peripherals. Important to note is in most ransomware attacks you dont ever get access to your files again.  

Adware

Adware is very simple and not as common as it used to be. Adware is a type of malware designed to display advertisements in the form of pop-ups or banners. Adware can now be controlled with a pop-up manager. However a lot of new malware comes in the form of browser extensions with the goal being to collect user data. 

Spyware

Spyware is a program designed for the sole purpose of collecting personal data. Spyware is often introduced to a system via phishing or a trojan. Spyware can collect passwords, internet activity, banking information, ect. 

Rootkits

Rootkits are a type of malware that place themselves in the core of the computer. Due to the way these programs are designed they are often missed by many antimalware programs. When a rootkit is executed it gives remote threat actors root access to a target machine. Allowing them to change system configuration and cause a lot of harm to a system. 

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are a type of program designed to capture and analyze keystrokes made by a user. Keyloggers can transmit usernames and password credentials directly to threat actors. These attacks are common in bank fraud or for compromising admin access on a network.

Fileless malware 

Fileless Malware is an emerging problem in the cybersecurity field. This type of malware modifies legitimate program files on the system and uses it to run malicious code. Because of it’s nature this type of malware is difficult for antivirus to detect.

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a type of malware that is designed to harvest a user’s computing power and use it to mine cryptocurrency. This comes at the cost of the machine and the performance of the system and in many cases leads to loss of user data.

Hybrid malware

Hybrid malware is a combination of other malwares into one. Due to its combination it makes the malware difficult for antivirus to detect its signatures. Examples of hybrid malware include trojan-worms and ransomware-worms. New hybrid malware are emerging everyday and are projected to be a huge problem in 2024

This would not be possible without this wonderful article:

The Comprehensive Guide to 11 Types of Malware in 2023

6 thoughts on “What You Need To Know About Malware

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