What is Malware?
"Malware," short for "malicious software," is a catch-all term for any software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server, client, or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, deprive users access to information or which unknowingly interferes with the user's computer security and privacy.
Types of Malware
Malware comes in many forms. Here are some of the most common types:
Virus
A computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates and is designed to spread from one computer to another. It attaches itself to legitimate programs and files.
Worm
Unlike viruses, worms can replicate and spread independently without any human interaction. They exploit vulnerabilities in a network to travel from one computer to another, often causing massive disruption.
Trojan Horse
A Trojan is a program that disguises itself as something useful or harmless to trick users into installing it. Once inside, it can perform malicious actions, like creating a backdoor for attackers.
Ransomware
This nasty malware encrypts a user's files, making them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom payment, often in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key.
Spyware
Spyware secretly observes the user's computer activities without permission and reports it to the software's author. It can capture keystrokes, browsing history, and personal information.
Adware
Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material (often unwanted) when a user is online. While not always malicious, it can be intrusive and degrade system performance.
Rootkit
A rootkit is a collection of malicious software tools that enable an unauthorized user to gain control of a computer system without being detected, often by hiding its own presence and activities.
Backdoor
A backdoor is a covert method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption. It provides an attacker with remote access to a system, often installed by other malware like Trojans or worms.
Scareware
Scareware uses social engineering to cause shock or anxiety. It displays alarming messages, such as a fake virus infection, to trick users into buying fraudulent or useless software.
What Malware Does
The objectives of malware are diverse. They can steal, encrypt, or delete your data, alter or hijack core computer functions, and spy on your computer activity without your knowledge or permission. From slowing down your PC to holding your most precious files hostage, the impact can be devastating.
The Linux Advantage
While no operating system is 100% immune, Linux is generally considered more secure than Windows. This is due to several factors: its smaller market share (making it a less attractive target), its permission-based architecture (requiring explicit user permission for system-level changes), and the open-source nature of its code, which allows a global community to scrutinize and patch vulnerabilities quickly.
Did You Know?
- The first-ever "worm" was the Creeper program in 1971, which was created as an experiment and displayed the message "I'M THE CREEPER: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN."
- The term "virus" was coined by computer scientist Fred Cohen in 1983.
- The ILOVEYOU worm in 2000 spread to over 10 million Windows PCs and caused an estimated $10 billion in damages.
- Stuxnet, a highly sophisticated worm discovered in 2010, was designed to target industrial control systems and physically damage equipment.