Many forms of malware exist today, with more and more created each day. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of malware: Show VirusesA computer virus is the most common type of malware, designed to self-replicate and spread from one file to another. The malicious codes infect and modify other programs, impacting the device’s functionality. A virus also deletes and corrupts files. Trojan HorsesThe trojan horse malware derives its name from the epic Trojan War in ancient Greek mythology. This malicious program is tricky and appears to be a legitimate application. Once you download the harmful program, it can gain access to sensitive files without your knowledge and alter, block or delete data. SpywareSpyware, as the name suggests, is malicious software developed to spy on you. The malware monitors your online activities, tracks keystrokes, extracts information and sends the data to the perpetrator. Spyware programs secretly hide in the background looking for personal information such as login credentials and financial information. RansomwareRansomware is a form of malware that locks up your device or encrypts data. Hackers then demand a ransom for a decryption key, which allows you to gain access to your computer and files again. Today, with ransomware-as-a-service, anyone can buy a malicious ransomware code to launch sophisticated cyberattacks. RootkitsThe rootkit malware is dangerous and extremely hard to detect. It hides deep within your infected computer unnoticed and provides administrator privileges (aka root access) to the hacker. This allows the hacker to gain full control over your system without your knowledge. WormsLike viruses, worms can replicate themselves. However, this type of malware does not require a host to spread and infect other systems. They are developed to drain bandwidth and disrupt networks. Worms are commonly used to target email servers, web servers and database servers. KeyloggersKeylogger malware is similar to spyware that buries itself into your device, secretly recording your keystrokes. This type of malware gathers sensitive information, like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, etc., and sends it to the attacker. AdwareAdware is perhaps the least malicious, but also the most annoying computer program that spams you with advertisements. Adware is capable of collecting your personal information and uses it to display more personalized ads on your computer screen. Although Adware does not harm or damage your device and files, it often comes bundled with other harmful malware. Therefore, you must be cautious with an adware infection. MalvertisingMalvertising, also known as malicious advertising, is where threat actors make use of legitimate ads or advertising networks to spread malware by embedding malicious programs into ads. When you click on the ad, you will be redirected to a malicious website or a malware will be installed in your device. Recent malware newsMalware attacks are evolving and their frequency continues to escalate. Here is some malware news that reminds us how dangerous and prevalent malware is: Microsoft named “Big Malware Hoster” Former Microsoft security analyst, Kevin Beaumont, said that Microsoft is “the best malware host in the world for about a decade.” This comment was made in response to a report by The Analyst, which highlighted that a BazarLoader malware campaign was hosting its malware on Microsoft’s OneDrive service. They also asked, “Does Microsoft have any responsibility in this when they KNOWINGLY are hosting hundreds of files leading to this, now for over three days?” YouTube channels attacked with cookie-stealing malware Google recently warned that financially motivated threat actors hired in Russian-speaking forums are targeting YouTube creators with cookie-stealing malware. According to Google’s recent article, its Threat Analysis Group (TAG) has been tracking the “pass-the-cookie” attackers since 2019. The perpetrators behind this attack use cookie-theft malware to hijack victims’ channels. The stolen credentials are then auctioned online on the dark web. MCH Group hit by cyberattack In one of the latest cyberattacks, Switzerland’s MCH Group, an international marketing company and exhibitions organizer, fell victim to a malware attack. Whether any data has been stolen is yet to be investigated. Debt-IN Consultants data breach impacted millions of South Africans Debt recovery firm Debt-IN Consultants suffered a data breach incident in September 2021, which impacted more than a million customers. It is estimated that the personal information of more than 1.4 million South African citizens, including the firm’s employees, were exposed. JBS USA shuts down operations after a ransomware attack On May 30, 2021, JBS USA, a global beef manufacturer, suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its operations. The company is said to have paid an $11 million ransom demand to the notorious REvil group. Colonial Pipeline Company cyber incident On May 7, 2021, Colonial Pipeline Co. fell victim to a ransomware attack carried out by the DarkSide ransomware group. The perpetrators used a compromised password to bring down the largest fuel pipeline in the United States. The company paid a $4.4 million demand to restore its operations. How to identify and detect malwareThe threat of malware attacks is widespread and inevitable. It is possible that malware has entered your device without your knowledge, and you might not know where it came from. However, there are tell-tale signs that will help you understand if your systems, files or applications are infected by malware. Common signs of malware infection include:
How to prevent malware?Malware attacks are inevitable but there are reliable ways to minimize the risk of these threats.
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