What are the Different Types of Malware Exist: Malware grows , threat and is becoming more dangerous as we all know. Security solutions are needed to protect the various devices that we use daily and malware is the main threat that affects our computer , smartphone or tablet. But actually know what is malware? Analysts from Kaspersky Lab have compiled a classification of different types of malware that exist, so we can understand their differences.
What is Malware? It is short for malicious software, a software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. It can appear in the form of code, scripts, active content, and other software. ‘Malware’ is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software.
Viruses: Computer viruses are a type of self -replicating code that installs itself without user consent . Can be differentiated according to the infecting , the methods they use to select the object and attack techniques . May appear as attachments in email messages or as malicious links that are downloaded from the Internet ( and infect the operating system in multiple ways ) . Nowadays , viruses are not as common as cybercriminals want to have greater control over the distribution of malware , otherwise , the new types of viruses quickly fall into the hands of manufacturers of security solutions.
Worms : worms are a subclass of viruses , as they are also self -replicating programs. Viruses differ in that the files do not infect , but rather settle directly on computers and there are ” at rest ” until there is adequate to penetrate other systems via , for example, the networks vulnerable time. Such as viruses, worms also infect via email through instant messaging or file sharing . Some computer worms are themselves files , while others only reside in the device memory.
Trojans : They differ entirely from viruses and worms . Trojans look legitimate programs but are designed to attack . The name comes from the Trojan Horse of ancient Greece , because they disguise themselves as useful programs for the user , but have destructive features . The Trojans are not self -replicating , so that alone does not diffuse , although to reach a large number of users over the Internet . There are various types , such as Backdoor Trojans ( who want to take remote control of victim computers ) and Trojan Downloader ( that install malicious code).
Ransomware : is uniquely designed to extort their victims and get money . For that informs users who have pirated software or illegal viewing videos , so that react scared and precipitated the warning form and pay a ” fine “. The most dangerous variant is the one that gets to encrypt your files , preventing us from accessing them unless we pay a ransom.
Rootkit : Nowadays , the Rootkit are a special part of the malware , since it was made specifically so that neither you nor security solution is inteirem its presence in the system. Some get it to activate before the operating system boot (this rootkit is called Bootkit) , making it very difficult both their detection and elimination.
Backdoor (RAT) : This malware , known in English as ” Remote Administration Tools ” is an application through which cyber-criminals can access the computer without the user being aware of it . Depending on the functionality of the backdoor , hackers can install and launch other programs , key-loggers send , download or delete files , activate the microphones or the device camera or record computer activity and send it to the cyber-criminal.
Downloader : are small pieces of code that are used to download malicious code of any kind on the victim’s system from the cyber-criminal ‘s server.
Experts at Kaspersky Lab , knowing the characteristics of each type of malware help us protect our devices from possible future damage. It is important to have a robust security solution that is able to defend ourselves from all possible malware attacks , regardless of the device that we use.