Anyone who has ever used a computer or a laptop has probably heard of malware. But how well do you understand it? Did you know that there are actually different types of malware that you should be aware of?
In this post, Stephensons IT Support Solutions, your trusted experts on local IT support services, talk about seven common types of malware and what they actually do. But first, let’s talk about what malware really is:
Malware – What Is It, Really?
Malware is short for malicious software. It’s any software that is used to spam, make cyber threats, slow down devices, create or modify existing files, and more.
7 Common Types of Malware You Should Know About
Adware
Perhaps the most commonly used malware and, considering all things, least harmful malware there is, adware displays ads on your device, often in the form of pop-ups and windows that won’t close. This type of malware is often used to create revenue through the clicks they get but it’s not uncommon for adware to come with spyware as well.
Spyware
As you can probably tell from the name of this malware, spyware is created to monitor the user’s internet activities. What it mainly does is gather information that the creator of the spyware can, later on, sell to a third party or use for another purpose like targeting you with adware.
Bots
Bots are tools that run those automatic and repetitive tasks online. Sometimes they’re not used for criminal purposes like, for instance, Twitterbots, which does tasks like tweeting, following, and messaging other accounts. There are, however, some bots that are malicious.
Bots can drain the resources of a target person’s systems and use the device for an illegal purpose. They can also be used as spambots, spamming computers with ads, or botnets that distribute denial of service attacks.
Ransomware
Among the more notorious kinds of malware is ransomware. One iteration of this malware, known as WannaCry, infected hundreds of thousands of big and small organizations around the world in May 2017. It was one of the most widely spread ransomware due to its worming capabilities.
Often, ransomware depends on user action and gets spread through phishing emails. About 97% of phishing emails had ransomware with them.
It’s worth noting that while different types of ransomware operate differently, they all encrypt files and lock devices until the targeted user pays for a decryption key.
Trojan
Trojan or Trojan horse is another malicious software that disguises as a useful program so that users will be tricked to download it. Trojans are often used to access a user’s computer so the creator can install other malicious codes, change files, track the browser habits of the user, or steal their data, among others.
Virus
A virus similar to a real-life virus that hurts one’s health and spreads to others, a digital virus also copies itself and quickly spreads without being detected by its victims. It attaches itself to various documents, programs and finds vulnerabilities in apps.
Once a user opens up a file infected by a virus, it starts working. What it usually does is steal info and money, as well as harm its host device and network.
Worm
Worms are also a common type of malware that is highly contagious. Their difference is that they don’t need to hide inside files and wait for people to open them. Worms are self-contained and spread on their own.
They often show up through emails and IMs and are easily spread over networks. They are usually made to steal data, create botnets, or delete files.
Conclusion
As you can see, malware comes in different forms and has different purposes, too, with some being more of a nuisance than a threat while others are more destructive than others. If your computer is affected by any of these malware types, the best thing that you can do is to contact an expert that offers commercial or residential IT support in your area.
Stephensons IT Support Solutions offer tech support for small businesses all across South Yorkshire. Whether you need to address malware or just a quick fix for your laptop, you can count on our team to provide you with the best solutions possible. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!