Computers are powerful machines that are becoming increasingly important in our lives. However, these machines can also be vulnerable. When their security is compromised, the situation can quickly turn into a disaster, such as ransom requests, data leaks, takeovers, denial of service and so on.
The threats that harm PCs, smartphones and other servers are many and varied. Among the most formidable is malware.
What is Malware?
In English, the term malware stands for “malicious software”. In French, the term "maliciel" is used, which stands for "malware". This term refers to any malicious computer code or program that can harm a computer system.
Malware is hostile, intrusive, and designed to attack, damage, or disable computers, networks, mobile devices, and other servers. Typically, they allow the cybercriminals who deploy them to remotely control the machine and interfere with its operations.
Very often, malware aims to extort money from victims. It is capable of stealing, encrypting, or deleting data. It can also change or disable major computer functions, and allows secretly spying on computer activity.
What are the different types of malware?
There are many different kinds of malware. Learn about the most common types of malware below.
1. Virus
Viruses are probably the most well-known malware. Like "biological" viruses, they attach themselves to infect files and can spread out of control. In fact, they can break system functionality and delete or corrupt certain folders. They usually come in the form of an executable file.
2. Trojans
Trojans are also one of the most well-known malware. They masquerade as legitimate software, or are hidden within legitimate software. Then they act surreptitiously and create a backdoor in system security to allow other malware to enter.
3. Spyware
Spyware, on the other hand, is malware designed to spy on victims. Hidden in the background, they monitor online activity. Specifically, they can make it possible to steal passwords, bank details, or spy on browsing habits.
4. Worms (worms)
Worms can infect entire network devices. They act locally or over the Internet by exploiting network interfaces. Each infected machine is used to influence more.
5. Ransomware
In recent years, the most widespread malware is “Ransomware”. They can lock the computer and threaten to delete all its contents unless the victim agrees to pay a ransom.
Ransomware is having a real boom associated with the emergence of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that allow hackers to recover ransom money in an untraceable manner.
6. Adware (advertising software)
"Adware" is not necessarily malicious, but it is aggressive adware that is able to bypass security systems just to serve ads. Besides being annoying, they can open the door to even more dangerous malware.
7. Botnets
Lastly, Botnets are networks of infected computers that are used to cooperate under the control of cybercriminals. They are used specifically to set up DDoS denial of service attacks.
How to get rid of and remove malware?
Each different type of malware infects and damages computers and data in its own way. In fact, each requires a different method to get rid of.
On the other hand, some common practices make it possible to avoid getting infected by malware.
First of all, it's best to avoid suspicious emails, links, or websites even though modern malware can lurk in the shadows of legitimate sites. The best way to stay protected from malware is to use antimalware or antivirus software.
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