Hello everyone!
In this video you will learn about malware
and its various types.
Malware, is the short form for “malicious software, "It refers
to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals
often called “hackers” to steal data and damage or destroy
computers and computer systems.
Malware can be detected by observing some common
symptoms on your machines. These symptoms may include
the slow speed of your computer or web browser over a
period of a few days a week, Frequent freezing or crashing
of the system, Modified or deleted files, the sudden creation
of new programs or desktop icons without your knowledge,
programs running and without your consent, Changes in
your security settings, Unusual emails/social media
messages being sent without your permission, Pop-up
advertisements, Browser links redirect to the wrong web
page, etc.
The process of malware making its way onto your device is
relatively simple: A hacker plans and places a malicious
link, file, or attachment in front of their victim, potentially
as a phishing email via social engineering tactics. The victim
clicks on the infected asset, unknowingly triggering the
malware to install onto their device. The malware proceeds
to steal, compromise, and/or destroy sensitive data stored
on the device.
Common Types of Malware Are Virus, Worms, Trojans,
Ransomware, Botnets, Adware, Spyware, Rootkit, Fireless
Malware, Malvertising etc.
Let’s discuss these malwares one by one.
A virus is malicious software attached to a document or file
that supports macros to execute its code and spread from
host to host. Once downloaded, the virus will lay dormant
until the file is opened and in use. Viruses are designed to
disrupt a system’s ability to operate. As a result, viruses can
cause significant operational issues and data loss.
Worms are a malicious software that rapidly replicates and
spreads to any device within the network. Unlike viruses,
worms do not need host programs to disseminate. A worm
infects a device via a downloaded file or a network
connection before it multiplies and disperses at an
exponential rate. Like viruses, worms can severely disrupt
the operations of a device and cause data loss.
Trojan viruses are disguised as helpful software programs.
But once the user downloads it, the Trojan virus can gain
access to sensitive data and then modify, block, or delete the
data. This can be extremely harmful to the performance of
the device. Unlike normal viruses and worms, Trojan
viruses are not designed to self-replicate.
Ransomware is malicious software that gains access to
sensitive information within a system, encrypts that
information so that the user cannot access it, and then
demands a financial payout for the data to be released.
Ransomware is commonly part of a phishing scam. By
clicking a disguised link, the user downloads the
ransomware. The attacker proceeds to encrypt specific
information that can only be opened by a mathematical key
they know. When the attacker receives payment, the data
may or may not be unlocked.
A bot is a software program that performs an automated
task without requiring any interaction. A computer with a
bot infection can spread the bot to other devices, creating a
botnet. This network of bot-compromised machines can
then be controlled and used to launch massive attacks by
hackers, often without the device owner being aware of its
role in the attack.
Adware is malicious software used to collect data on your
computer usage and provide appropriate advertisements to
you. While adware is not always dangerous, in some cases
adware can cause issues for your system. Adware can
redirect your browser to unsafe sites, and it can even
contain Trojan horses and spyware. Additionally, significant
levels of adware can slow down your system noticeably.
Because not all adware is malicious, it is important to have
protection that constantly and intelligently scans these
programs.
Spyware is malicious software that runs secretly on a
computer and reports back to a remote user. Rather than
simply disrupting a device’s operations, spyware targets
sensitive information and can grant remote access to
predators. Spyware is often used to steal financial or
personal information. A specific type of spyware is a key
logger, which records your keystrokes to reveal passwords
and personal information.
A rootkit is a type of malware designed to give hackers
access to and control over a target device. Although most
rootkits affect the software and the operating system, some
can also infect your computer’s hardware and firmware.
Rootkits are adept at concealing their presence, but while
they remain hidden, they are active. Once they gain
unauthorized access to computers, rootkits enable
cybercriminals to steal personal data and financial
information, install malware or use computers as part of a
botnet to circulate spam and participate in DDoS
(distributed denial of service) attacks
File less malware is a type of malicious software that uses
legitimate programs to infect a computer. It does not rely on
files and leaves no footprint, making it challenging to detect
and remove. They use the techniques like exploit kits,
memory only malware, stolen credentials etc.
Malvertising (malicious advertising) is the use of online
advertising to spread and install malware or redirect your
traffic. Cybercriminals inject infected ads into legitimate
advertising networks that display ads on websites you
trust. Then, when you visit a site, the malicious ad infects
your device with malware — even if you don’t click it.
Thank You.