Malware creators invent new ways to steal your personal information and turn your computer into the spam machine every day. This article will discuss the different types of malware, how they work, and what you can do to protect yourself.
We’ll discuss the following questions:
- What is malware and different types of malware?
- How to get protection from malware?
- What are the 4 main types of malware?
- Why do we need to know the different types of malware?
- What are the malware examples?
So, stay tuned!
Malware:
Malware is a set of software tools that allow a hacker to gain access to a device, system, or network. It works by invading the device and executing malicious code, either from an attached drive or from a website.
There are lots of nasty types of software that can affect your computer. And while a lot of people use the term “virus” as a generic term for malicious software, this isn’t accurate.
The malware can often be removed using antivirus software. People can even protect their devices from malware before they download by using a VPN Chrome extension. Some examples include RYUK (Ransomware), Olympic Vision (Keyloggers), Emotet (Trojans), etc.
Let’s first discuss now how to get protection from malware using a VPN, and then we move towards its types.
How To Get Protection From Malware?
The internet is an expansive place. Staying online can be dangerous, especially since many malicious threats are waiting to harm you. Many people don’t know that one of the easiest ways to stay safe is by using a VPN.
A VPN will help keep your data confidential and secure without having to give up other conveniences such as streaming services or other sites. It will protect you from malicious threats because it encrypts all internet traffic that your device sends and receives.
We recommend people use VeePN as it comes with numerous advanced features like double VPN, kill switch, and so much more. Besides that, VeePN is available on different platforms, for example – Firefox extension, VPN extension chrome, Windows VPN, Mac VPN, etc. People can also get the benefit from VeePN’s free trial.
Many different types of malware can range in severity. We need to know what type of malware we are fighting so the right preventative measures can be taken to stop it or remove it if it has already infected the system.
Types of Malware:
Ransomware:
Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to the victim’s data. The attacker then offers to supply the victim with the decryption key and/or unlocking software in exchange for a ransom (typically paid in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin). If the victim does not comply with the payment request, their data will stay locked or become permanently lost.
Adware:
Adware is unwanted software that displays ads on your screen. It can appear in many different forms, including advertisements, pop-ups, banners, and more. Some adware also follows your browsing activity to display customized ads based on your history. Fireball is one of the examples of Adware.
Virus:
Viruses are a type of malware that attacks a computer by inserting its code into active programs on the target system. Unlike other forms of malware, such as Trojan horses and worms, viruses can replicate themselves to infect other computers. The replication of viruses only happens through the use of the host program on which they reside. This makes them so dangerous and hard to detect; they do not need to be activated by a user or e-mail.
Worm:
Worms are very similar to viruses in that they can replicate themselves and can spread from one system to another. Worms also require a host to work. The difference is that worms typically do not hide in a second program or file and will take control of a machine without permission. Stuxnet is an example of a worm malware.
Bots:
The term bot, short for robot, is a malware program that is designed to replicate tasks that a human could do. Bots can be used for a wide range of purposes, including spamming and denial of service attacks. Security professionals must be aware of the different types of bots to defend against them. Echobot is one of the examples of Bots.
Trojans:
Trojans are a type of malware designed to pass for benign software, often appearing as a different notification. It can then perform malicious tasks such as installing malware or gathering information about the host system, sometimes without the user knowing it.
Keyloggers:
Keyloggers are one of the most dangerous forms of malware. They monitor your keystrokes, collecting sensitive data to be used for theft purposes. An example of keyloggers is Olympic Vision.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, many types of malware can infect your computer. Some can steal data or sensitive information, others can change how your computer operates, and some can do both. The key to avoiding malware is to be aware of the different types and take precautions such as using VPN, backing up your data, and running regular scans.
