Malware:
Malware stands for "Malicious software." designed to harm your computer, device, or network.
Types of Malware :
1. Virus
A virus attaches itself to legitimate files or programs and activates when the infected file is opened or executed. It spreads by replicating itself and can damage files, slow down systems, or crash devices.
Example: A virus might corrupt your files and also spread to others when that virus file is shared.
2. Worms
A worm is a type of malware that spreads on its own. It doesn't need you to click anything or open a file. Once it gets into your computer or network, it makes copies of itself and moves to other devices.
Worms often use weaknesses in networks or systems to spread. For example, they might sneak in through a flaw in your software or operating system. Some worms are harmless and just take up space, but others can delete files, steal data, or slow down your internet.
Example: Imagine someone sends you an email with a worm attached. If it gets into your computer, it could send itself to all your contacts without you even knowing.
3. Trojan Horses
Trojans pretend to be legitimate software to trick users into installing them. Once inside, they can steal data, provide backdoor access to attackers, or deliver other malware.
Example: A fake antivirus program might alert you to "viruses" and demand payment to "fix" them while stealing your information.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your files or computer and asks you to pay money (a ransom) to get them back. It's like someone breaking into your house, locking all your belongings in a box, and telling you they'll only give the key if you pay them.
Here's how it usually works:
- You might get a fake email with an attachment or link.
- When you click it, the ransomware installs itself on your computer.
- It then locks your important files so you can't open them.
- You get a message asking for money (often in Bitcoin) to unlock your files.
Example: Imagine opening an email that says, "Your package is delayed—click here for details." After you click, all your photos, documents, and videos are locked, and a message pops up saying, "Pay $500 to unlock your files."
5. Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that secretly watches what you do on your computer or phone and sends that information to attacker.
It's like a hidden spy following your every move without you knowing.
Example: Imagine you are downloading a free game on your phone. It might come with spyware that tracks your location and sends it to advertisers or hackers without you knowing.
6. Adware
Adware is a type of software that floods you with unwanted ads. These ads can show up as pop-ups, banners or even take over your screen. While this is not always harmful, it can be super annoying and might slow down your device.
Example: You download a free game, but after installing it, ads start popping up every time you open your browser—even when you're not playing the game.
7. Rootkits
Rootkits are designed to gain administrative access to your system without your knowledge. They can hide other malware and allow attackers to control your device remotely.
Example: A rootkit could let hackers disable your antivirus and install further threats.
8. Keyloggers
Keyloggers record everything you type, including usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers, and send the information to attackers.
Example: A keylogger installed on your computer could steal your email login credentials.
9. Bots and Botnets
Bots are infected devices controlled by an attacker, often forming a botnet—a network of bots used for malicious purposes like DDoS attacks or spamming.
Example: Mirai botnet was used to perform massive DDoS attacks on websites.
10. Fileless Malware
Fileless malware operates in memory without installing files on the system and it is harder to detect.
Example: An attacker exploits vulnerabilities in legitimate applications like PowerShell.
11. Scareware
Scareware is a type of fake software that tries to scare you into doing something, like paying money or downloading harmful programs. It usually tricks you by showing alarming messages, like fake virus warnings, to make you believe your computer or phone is in danger.
Example: You're browsing the internet, and suddenly a pop-up appears saying, "Your system has 5 viruses! Pay $50 to remove them!" Panicked, you might click—but the warning is fake.
12. Backdoors
Backdoors bypass normal authentication to provide unauthorized access to systems, often used to control devices remotely.
Example: A backdoor might let an attacker steal sensitive data from a corporate server.
13. Trojan
A Trojan is a type of malware that tricks users into installing it by pretending to be something safe or useful.
Unlike worms or viruses, a Trojan doesn't wont spread on its own; instead, it relies on the victim to download or execute it. Once software got installed, it can perform harmful actions like stealing data, spying on activities, or opening a backdoor for attackers to take control of the system.
Example:
Imagine you receive an email from what looks like your bank, asking you to download an important "security update." You download and run the file, but instead of an update, the file is a Trojan that installs a keylogger on your computer. Now, everything you type, including passwords and banking details, is secretly sent to the attacker.
