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Malware threats & types of malware threats

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Rache Buffay
Malware threats & types of malware threats

What is malware?

Malware is a malicious software created to damage an organization, individual or a specific data. Malware is a broader term and succumbs to the number of malware types, each has its own specificity to destroy or damage according to its function. E.g., virus, worms, trojan horse, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, etc. These malware types can take forms of executable code, scripts, active content, and other software.

Malwares is usually found attached to emails, looped in fraudulent links, hidden behind ads, or will be in waiting as soon as the employee or individual visits a particular site. Just one wrong click and the malware is installed by itself and begins its function to destroy.



Types of Malwares:

1. Worm or Virus: Malicious code that can copy itself and infect additional computers.

2. Trojan: A Trojan horse or Trojan is a type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software.

3. Spam-sending malware: Malware that infects a user’s machine and then uses that machine to send spam.

4. Backdoor: Malicious code that installs itself onto a computer to allow the attacker access. Backdoors usually let the attacker connect to the computer with little or no authentication and execute commands on the local system.

5. Rootkit: Malicious code designed to conceal the existence of other code. Rootkits are usually paired with other malware, such as a backdoor, to allow remote access to the attacker and make the code difficult for the victim to detect.

6. Botnet: Like a backdoor, in that it allows the attacker access to the system, but all computers infected with the same botnet receive the same instructions from a single command-and-control server.


Malware is the biggest security threat for your devices, once infected it can unknowingly expose sensitive information to you, may cause unwanted activity on your device, demand for payment to decrypt your stolen data and much more. To avoid being prone to these threats, read the following guideline list to help you out:


1. Know the possibilities if your device is infected.

Check for unexpected or sudden changes on your device, like slowing down and crashing suddenly, difficulty shutting down or restarting, unexpected display on the screen, sending emails that you didn’t write, running out of battery quickly and often.





2. Understand how malware gets in the device.

Opening or downloading files that are not authentic or visiting a scammy website. Clicking on ads or links that are too good to be true, opening a phishing email, clicking or downloading the attachment.


3. Learn how to remove the malware.

Following basic checks and habit change will help you be less vulnerable:

-Avoid sharing username, password, and sensitive data online, without doing a thorough site check.

-Keep your software up to date.

-Download Security software on your device and run a malware scan to be alert.

- Recover your operating system and reinstall it if its infected.

- If the above doesn't work, contact the manufacturer.

 

4. Lastly learn the ways & habits to avoid malware:

-Read the instructions and features before installing a new software.

-Get software directly from the original source.

-Never ignore device updates and warnings

-Avoid clicking on random links and text messages or visiting URLs directly.

-Scan a third-party device before using them for your use.

- Lastly, report the malware.



 


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Rache Buffay
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