Malicious software — or malware — is talked about when dangerous software is used to access and infect a computer or network without being detected. A lot of people hear terms like viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, worms, or Trojan horses; these are all different types of malwares that can severely damage computers. As a cybersecurity company, we are always staying up-to-date and informed on the latest malware threats to protect companies and their success.
All forms of malware are extremely dangerous once they infiltrate a device, but the way malware functions differ depending on the type. Below is a list of several types of malware and short definitions of how they work.
Viruses:
Function — Software that replicates itself over and over again once it is activated.
Threat — Viruses will corrupt or delete data.
Adware:
Function — Software that throws advertisements up on your screen (pop-ups).
Threat — Can corrupt your server and disable you from getting online.
Spyware:
Function — Software that sneakily clings to your computer’s OS.
Threat — Can collect all kinds of information about your business.
Ransomware:
Function — Software from crypto-virology that will lock you out of your own files.
Threat — They will block you from your own files until you pay a ransom.
Worms:
Function — Software that relies on vulnerabilities in a computer and spreads like a virus.
Threat — They replicate to a point that your network is damaged.
Trojans:
Function — Software that looks legitimate but is activated once its program is clicked.
Threat — Designed to damage your computer in any way — disrupt, steal, infect, etc.
These descriptions only summarize some of the key components of what these malicious software programs can do, but they all carry an equal amount of concern if a computer in your business is affected.
When malware was first created, it was used as pranks and experiments, but now it is always destructive. Cybersecurity companies use programs such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions to combat these dangerous attacks. If you do not know if your cybersecurity posture stacks up against these attacks, contact us for a free cyber audit.
Malware is not the only form of dangerous online attack, there is also spoofing, phishing, and other security hackers that might be able to penetrate your computer’s basic line of defense. To detect any threats before they become a problem, partner with Magnitech.
