Table of Contents
What is Malware
Malware stands for Malicious Software. These are harmful programs that enter a person’s computer or mobile phone without their permission and steal information without them knowing. Mostly, hackers use these programs.
Malware is created using Malicious Programming Code (Malcode) and is also known as Malware’s Payload. To prevent malware, there are Anti Malware programs. Antivirus and Antispyware software work as Anti Malware.
Types of Malware
01. Ransomware :
These types of malware encrypt information, making it inaccessible to the user. Hackers then demand money to decrypt the data.
Example: In 2022, the city of Baltimore faced a Ransomware attack called Robin Hood, causing $18 million in damages. Similarly, Atlanta city suffered $17 million in damages from a Ransomware attack in 2018.
02. Fileless Malware :
These do not cause immediate harm but alter files in the computer’s Operating System, making it hard for antivirus software to detect.
Example: Astaroth is a type of Fileless Malware often bundled with illegally downloaded software.
03. Spyware :
These programs steal user activities, passwords, payment information, and other data without permission and often lead to fraud.
Example: Dark Hotel spyware targets business people and government officials using hotel Wi-Fi.
04. Adware :
This malware tracks users’ online shopping activities and provides that information to advertisers without causing direct harm to the computer.
Example: In 2017, Fireball Adware affected 250 million devices worldwide.
05. Trojan :
These malware types disguise themselves as legitimate software. Once downloaded, they start their malicious activities.
Example: Emotet is a modern banking Trojan causing substantial damages in the US.
06. Worms :
These target the operating system software and spread through Flash Drives or software, often aiding Ransomware activities.
Example: Stuxnet, created by the US and Israel, targeted Iran’s nuclear program via a Flash Drive.
07. Virus :
These attach themselves to programs and, once activated, slowly steal important data and assist in DDoS and Ransomware activities.
08. Rootkits :
These programs allow hackers to remotely control a user’s computer, often used to hide Keyloggers.
Example: Zacinlo Rootkit Malware masquerades as a fake VPN software.
09. Keyloggers :
These track user activities and are sometimes used for good purposes like monitoring employees or children. However, they often lead to password and bank information theft.
Example: Olympic Vision Keylogger targeted businesses in the US, Middle East, and Asia for email compromise attacks.
10. Bots/Botnets :
Automated software that can be used for both good and harmful purposes. These malware types can perform various attacks remotely.
Example: Echobot affected many IoT devices and caused over 50 different types of damages.
11. Mobile Malware :
These target mobile devices, operating on ad fraud, Ransomware, and Trojan functions.
Example: Triada Mobile Malware, when used for rooting, gives hackers control over the device.
12. Wiper Malware :
Specially designed to completely disable public or private organization computers. They often leave no trace after their job is done.
Example: WhisperGate Wiper Malware was used in the Ukraine war in January 2022, destroying several government websites.
13. Crimeware :
General software used for criminal activities like stealing identities, money, and private information. This includes Virus, Trojan, Worms, Spyware, and Adware.
Example:The term was coined in the article “Putting an End to Account-Hijacking Identity Theft” by FDIC on December 14, 2004.
How Malware Works ?
Malware can gain access into devices through so many channels and this can cause so much havoc. Let’s see how it operates.
Infection Methods
01. Email Attachments:
It can also be transmitted through email attachments. This usually happens when you open any of these attachments because the malware immediately downloads and launches on your device.
02. Malicious Downloads:
Using unauthorized copies available on the internet are risky and cause penetration of viruses and malware.
03. Phishing Websites:
Phishing sites make people click one link or the other only to be redirected to another site which has the virus.
Malware Spreading Mechanisms
01. Network Propagation:
Once a malware is within one computer, it can so quickly copy its self to other computers within the same network.
02. Removable Media:
Malware can also take place through storage devices such as flash drives, hard drives that are external among others. If you have a stored device in an affected pc in your PC, and then move it to another Pc, the malware can move with it.
Common Targets of Malware
01. Personal Devices:
Malware typically attacks personal computers such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, because the usually carry important and sensitive data.
02. Corporate Networks:
companies are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats because it contains important information. Regular malware threats cause interferences with organizational operations, appropriation of valuable data or their distribution, and considerable financial damages.
Signs Your Device May Be Infected
- Slow performance
- Frequent crashes or errors
- Unexpected pop-up ads
- Unusual network activity
- Unauthorized access to accounts
How to Protect Your Devices from the Malwares ?
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
- Install and update antivirus and antispyware software
- Regularly update your operating system and software
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Back up your data regularly
What to Do If Your Device is Infected ?
- Disconnect from the internet
- Run a full system scan with antivirus software
- Remove detected malware
- Change passwords and monitor accounts for suspicious activity
- Seek professional help if necessary
Conclusion
Thus, we believe that the present article gives a full understanding of what malware is, what consequences may arise, and how one can avoid such a problem.
Thus the role of malware is highly important in this emerging Technologically advanced world. That is why it should be necessary to guard our information and gadgets against these dangerous threats and risks.
