Malware can be a major threat to your internet safety, and, in some cases, can have detrimental effects on your business: if a malware attack is successful, your data can be compromised and stolen, and you can lose out on revenue. That is why it is so crucial that you are able to identify different types of malware, and what they are capable of doing, so you can protect yourself online – and here at iolo, we specialize in doing just that.
What Exactly is Malware?
So, what exactly is malware? Good question. The term ‘malware’ refers to a type of highly malicious piece of software that is used by criminals to directly target an organization or group of individuals.
The software is typically found hidden in fake emails, on various websites, or hidden in embedded links. Once an individual has unwillingly downloaded the software, havoc is then wreaked on the machine – this can include data breaches, or even money being stolen.
Ransomware attacks, for example, are increasingly on the rise. This is where an individual or business is held to ransom (usually having to hand over large sums of money) in order to be able to regain control of their machine and data.
The Different Types of Malware
So, now that we’ve established just exactly what malware is, it’s now time to take a look at some of the various forms it can take so that you know exactly what just to look for to ensure you or your business is safe online.
Adware
Adware is incredibly annoying because it installs unwanted advertisements on your computer. Whilst this is generally relatively harmless, adware has the potential to massively slow down your computer’s performance and may encourage users to click on malicious adverts that download more harmful types of malware to your PC.
Viruses
Viruses are incredibly malicious forms of malware that typically can completely destroy a computer. They encrypt, delete, corrupt, and move and steal your data, rendering your computer totally inoperable. Viruses are usually found on malicious links or unsecure websites, and sometimes you won’t even know you have one until it’s too late. That is why it is so crucial to stay diligent when browsing the web.
Spyware
Criminals and hackers will use spyware to directly monitor the activities of its victims, and can lead to major data breaches. For instance, spyware can be used to monitor the victim’s keystrokes, meaning the hacker can directly gain access to things such as passwords, credit card information, etc. Spyware is most often used in monetary theft – to protect yourself against spyware, it is wise to have two factor authentication on your accounts, so that hackers cannot fully access your accounts.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a particularly vicious form of malware as, as the name suggests, it holds the victim to ransom in order to get their data back. Typically, if the demands of the hacker are not met by a certain deadline, the data will either be deleted forever or sold on the dark web – which has detrimental consequences for the individuals or businesses involved.
Trojans
From the offset, a trojan may appear to be a legitimate piece of software, when in fact it is incredibly malicious. Because they must be executed by the victim, unlike some other forms of malware, they can be incredibly difficult to spot, which is why they are some of the most dangerous types of malware. Typically, trojans are used in phishing scams, so it is important that you do not click any suspicious links in emails from companies you have any suspicions about.
Worms
Unlike a virus, a worm does not need any human action to spread itself once it has infected your device. Directly attacking your computer’s hard drive, worms can be incredibly difficult to get rid of, which is why it is important to have the best antivirus and computer defense software – such as what we offer here at iolo.
Get in Touch With Our Friendly Team Today
As experts in computer security and defense, we realize just how irritating malware can be – and it can be incredibly dangerous, too. Nobody wants to discover that their computer has been infected with malware, as it could lead to major data breaches, the theft of personal information, and even monetary loss. That’s why here at iolo, we want to ensure that your computer is safe and protected against malware and viruses. For more information on the unrivaled products and services we can provide you, such as Malware Killer, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of professionals today.
