Understanding Malware: Top Common Types and How They Work.
What is malware?
Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any program or file designed with harmful intent. It can disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to devices, networks, or sensitive data. Hackers and cybercriminals use malware to steal information, spy on users, or damage systems.
Malware can come in many forms, often disguised as legitimate software or hidden within downloads, email attachments, and even websites. Knowing how to identify the different types of malware is key to protecting yourself online.
Top common types of malware
1. Viruses
2. Worms
3. Ransomware
4. Trojans
5. Spyware
6. Adware
7. Rootkits
8. Bots and Botsnet
9. Keyloggers
10. Cryptojacking
Viruses
A virus is one of the oldest types of malware. Like a biological virus, it attaches itself to a clean file or program and spreads when the infected file is shared or opened. Viruses can corrupt files, slow down systems, or even delete critical data. They often require human action to propagate, such as clicking on a file or running a program.
Example :- The Zeus virus, first detected in 2006, The ILOVEYOU virus from 2000.
Worms
Unlike viruses, worms are self-replicating malware that do not need a host file or human interaction to spread. They exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications to move across networks, causing havoc by consuming bandwidth or overloading systems.
Example :- Morris Worm on November 2, 1988, Nimda, Code Red, The 2003 Blaster worm, which infected over 200,000 computers in just a few hours.
Ransomware
One of the most damaging forms of malware is ransomware. It encrypts a victim’s data, making it inaccessible, and demands a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key. Even if the ransom is paid, there's no guarantee the data will be restored.
Example :- The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected over 200,000 computers worldwide.
Trojans
A Trojan horse, or simply Trojan, disguises itself as legitimate software, tricking users into downloading or executing it. Once inside the system, Trojans can create backdoors, steal data, or allow hackers to take control of the device.
Example :- 'Tiny Banker ' enables hackers to steal users' financial details.
Spyware
Spyware secretly monitors and collects information from users without their consent. It can track browsing habits, keystrokes (keyloggers), and even personal data like login credentials. Spyware is often bundled with legitimate software, or downloaded when visiting compromised websites.
Example :- Pegasus is a mobile spyware that targets iOS and Android devices.
Adware
While not always harmful, adware displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups. It can slow down your device and lead to more malicious infections if the ads redirect you to malicious websites.
Example :- Adware hidden in free software downloads, which bombards users with ads or tracks their browsing activity.
Rootkits
A rootkit is a type of malware that provides unauthorized users with administrative access to a system, often without being detected. Rootkits can hide other types of malware and make it very difficult to remove them from an infected system.
Example :- The first rootkit, NTRootkit, appeared in 1999.
Bots and Botnet
A bot is malware that allows hackers to control an infected device remotely. When multiple bots are linked together, they form a botnet. These botnets are often used to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or to send large volumes of spam emails.
Example :- The Mirai botnet, which in 2016 caused a massive internet outage by targeting DNS provider Dyn.
Keyloggers
A keylogger is a type of spyware that records every keystroke a user makes on their keyboard. It operates in the background without the user’s knowledge, capturing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal details. This stolen data is then sent to the attacker, who can use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to online accounts.
Example :- The Agent Tesla keylogger first emerged in 2014.
Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a type of cyberattack in which a hacker secretly uses someone else's computer or device to mine cryptocurrency without their consent. Instead of directly stealing data or causing visible damage, cryptojacking exploits the victim’s computing resources (CPU or GPU power) to generate digital currencies like Bitcoin, Monero, or Ethereum.
Example :- Coinhive, Vivin, XMRig Lucifer, WannaMine and RubyMiner are examples of cryptomining malware.
How to Protect Yourself from Malware( Viruses, Worms, Ransomware, Botnet etc)
1. Keep your software updated: Regular updates ensure that security vulnerabilities are patched.
2. Use antivirus software: A reliable antivirus program can detect and remove malware before it causes damage.
3. Be cautious of email attachments: Avoid opening emails from unknown senders or downloading suspicious attachments.
4. Download from trusted sources: Stick to official websites or app stores for software downloads.
5. Use strong, unique passwords: This helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
FAQ
1. What is malware?
Ans :- Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any program or file designed with harmful intent. It can disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to devices, networks, or sensitive data.
2. What is Virus?
Ans :- A virus is one of the oldest types of malware. Like a biological virus, it attaches itself to a clean file or program and spreads when the infected file is shared or opened.
3. What is Worms Malware?
Ans :- Unlike viruses, worms are self-replicating malware that do not need a host file or human interaction to spread.
4. What is Ransomware ?
Ans :- One of the most damaging forms of malware is ransomware. It encrypts a victim’s data, making it inaccessible, and demands a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key.
5. What is Bot and Botnet?
Ans :- A bot is malware that allows hackers to control an infected device remotely. When multiple bots are linked together, they form a botnet.
6. How to protect from Botnet, Bots, Virus, Ransomware, Trojans, Adware, Spyware, Worms, Rootkit, Keylogger, Cryptojacking Malware?
Ans :- Reading this blog properly to protect from this Malware.
7. What is Spyware ?
Ans :- Spyware secretly monitors and collects information from users without their consent.
8. What is Adware ?
Ans :- While not always harmful, adware displays unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups.
9. What is Keylogger ?
Ans :- A keylogger is a type of spyware that records every keystroke a user makes on their keyboard. It operates in the background without the user’s knowledge, capturing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal details.
10. What is Rootkit ?
Ans :- A rootkit is a type of malware that provides unauthorized users with administrative access to a system, often without being detected.
11. When did the first rootkit appear?
Ans :- The first rootkit NTRootkit appeared in 1999.
12. What is Pegasus ?
Ans :- Pegasus is a mobile spyware that targets iOS and Android devices.
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