Malware is a broad and encompassing term used in computer security to refer to any type of malicious software specifically designed to infiltrate, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices, often with harmful intent. The term “malware” is a combination of “malicious” and “software,” highlighting its malicious nature.
Malware can take various forms and have different purposes, including:
- Viruses: Malicious code that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files and spreads when the infected program is executed.
- Worms: Self-replicating programs that spread across networks or devices without user intervention.
- Trojans (Trojan Horses): Malware disguised as legitimate software or files to deceive users into installing them, often with the goal of granting unauthorized access or stealing data.
- Ransomware: Malware that encrypts a victim’s data or locks them out of their system, demanding a ransom for decryption or access restoration.
- Spyware: Malware designed to secretly gather information about a user or their system without their knowledge or consent, often for tracking or data theft.
- Adware: Software that displays unwanted advertisements, often bundled with legitimate software.
- Keyloggers: Malware that records a user’s keystrokes, potentially capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.
- Botnets: Networks of compromised devices, often controlled remotely, used to carry out coordinated attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
- Rootkits: Malware that provides unauthorized access to a system or hides other malware from detection.
- Backdoors: Hidden vulnerabilities or access points intentionally created by malware or attackers to allow unauthorized access to a system.
Malware can infect computers and devices through various means, including malicious email attachments, infected downloads, compromised websites, and unpatched software vulnerabilities. To protect against malware, individuals and organizations use a combination of cybersecurity measures, including antivirus software, regular software updates, email filtering, and user education on safe online practices.