The widespread availability of the internet has improved communication and connectivity. Broadband connections powered by Spectrum internet and others have disrupted traditional business practices. But the democratization of the internet has also paved the way for new types of cybersecurity threats. Individuals and businesses alike are bound to get exposed to malware, viruses, and other cyber threats at some point.
What Is Malware?
Malware refers to any type of malicious software designed to compromise or exploit any network or service. Computer criminals use malware to infiltrate computer systems and programmable devices. Their purpose is to corner companies or individuals into compromising on their financial information. Some hackers simply sell the comprised data on the black market. Others use it to blackmail companies into paying a ransom.
Computer criminals usually use malware to gain entry into a target network. They do this via third-party downloads, malicious email attachments, phishing. Some hackers target compromised flash drives or social media channels to steal valuable information from their targets. Malware presents a danger to individual users and businesses.
What Are the Seven Types of Malware?
Though the internet is flooded with dozens of malware, this type of cybersecurity threat does fall into several distinct categories. That said, these are the seven different types of malware:
Virus
This is one of the most common types of malware found on the internet. Think of it as a piece of complex code. Viruses gain entry into computer applications or programs when running. Upon entry, they replicate themselves to infect the rest of the network with their codes.
Once executed, viruses can be used to launch DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks and even compromise sensitive information inside a target network. Viruses are different from Trojan horses in the sense they can only target the host app while the latter is running.
Ransomware
Ransomware is perhaps the most notorious type of malware. It is also one of the most commonly used types of malware on the internet. This malware type is used to extort money from individual and business networks. When executed, ransomware harvests sensitive data.
Computer criminals then leverage compromised data to demand ransom from their targets. The ransom can range from a few hundred to multi-million dollars. It all depends on how big and valuable the target is in terms of size and revenue.
Rootkits
Computer criminals use rootkits to gain full administrative control of target networks or computers. This type of malicious software manifests itself in firmware, applications, hypervisors, and kernels. Moreover, they can conceal ransomware and keyloggers.
Spyware
Spyware, as the name implies, spies on user browsing habits. This type of malicious software can collect user data without their consent or knowledge. It gathers sensitive information such as private messages, pin codes, passwords, and important financial details. The information is then used by hackers to blackmail targets into paying a ransom or simply sold on the black market.
Adware
Adware has more or less the same capabilities as spyware. It anonymously gathers data on the web. The only difference between adware and spyware is that the former doesn’t track sensitive information like passwords and pins. Instead, it utilizes the information to create targeted ads. One of the major concerns associated with adware is that it compromises user privacy rights.
Adware uses valuable information to create a full-fledged digital profile of target users. The profile contains the name, contact information, address, interests, etc. The data is then sold to advertisers without the knowledge and consent of the target. Adware is more of a nuisance than a direct security threat. That doesn’t mean it should be allowed to roam freely on the internet.
Worms
This standalone malicious software replicates itself to infect other networks or computers. It operates very much like a virus. Worms target security systems and applications that are already compromised. For example, a worm may gain entry into a system via its weak spots or through corrupted flash drives. Once executed, they are used to launch DDoS attacks and harvest sensitive data.
Trojans
The name ‘Trojan’ has its origins in the deceptive Trojan Horse story from Ancient Greece. The use of the Trojan Horse resulted in the downfall of the city of Troy. This type of malicious software is true to its nature, that is, misleading users.
Trojans come with complex codes that can harvest sensitive data from within computer systems and applications. Trojans appear as legitimate programs or downloads, concealing themselves from the user. Once the download is complete, they spring into action – just like the soldiers did when they jumped from inside the horse upon its entry into the city of Troy.