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Definition and Types of Malware

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Understanding the different types of malware, definition, their nature and how they operate.

Malware simply means malicious software. Computer malware comprises of a number of dangerous software that are threats to all computer users, and even more so, if you are connected to the World Wide Web. Software can be deemed to be malware depending on the purpose for which is it was created rather than its features. Malware are created for various purposes, these include intrusion of privacy for various unethical reasons, vandalism, crimes, spying or just for pranks. This article gives brief explanation of the most common types of malware, which includes viruses, Trojan horse, spyware, hijackers, crimeware, adware, dialers, keyloggers, worms, rootkits and similar programs. Understanding these threats, their nature and how to prevent them is very vital to save Internet surfing and protection of our most confidential data.

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Types of Computer Malware

Below is a list and description of the major types of malware
  • Computer Viruses
    A computer virus is small infectious and destructive software that can replicate itself and go on to infect other computers. A computer virus is usually executable software. Computer viruses can be contacted through downloads and various mode of email and instant messaging attachments. A virus then attaches itself to existing programs on the target computer. The main aim is to corrupt the computer system. Computer viruses can be removed by installing and running antivirus or antimalware programs.
  • Worms
    Similar to a computer virus, worms are infectious and self-replicating. However, Computer worms work with computer networks. The worm utilizes a computer network to send replicas of itself to connecting computes on that network. Computer worms can replicate in create volume and it poses a great threat to large computer networks. Computer worms can be removed using malware removal tools.
  • Trojan horse
    A Trojan or a Trojan horse is a form of computer malware that can be installed on a computer system through deceptive means. The Trojan is presented to the user as a form of a free useful software or add-on. However, once installed, the Trojan horse gives access to hackers, who can then carry out their criminal operations on the target computer from a remote station. Trojan horses can be removed either manually or by using antivirus software programs.
  • Spyware
    Spyware is a form of malware program installed secretly on a computer system that collects and sends information about its usage and other confidential and personal data to the developer in an unethical manner. A computer system can get infected with spyware through deceptive ways such as free online scanning, Internet add-ons or plugins, dubious websites and images or even through a search engine. Spyware can be removed using antispyware removal tools.
  • Adware
    Adware is short for Advertisement-supported software. The program is designed to display advertisements on a computer system. However, some adware are dishonest and therefore can be classified as spyware - because that is what it does - spy on the computer user and also steal user sensitive information. Adware can also be removed using trusted spyware or malware removal tools.
  • Crimeware
    Crimeware is a form of malware created specifically to perpetrate crime on the Internet. The main aim of crimeware is to steal financial and confidential information such as credit card data and passwords and use this to access private online bank accounts or financial services - identity theft. Crimeware can be installed through social engineering and tricky manipulation of people which leads them to release their confidential information. This malware can also be installed through vulnerabilities in software applications or email attachments.
  • Keyloggers
    Keyloggers are created to monitor user keystrokes and the information are logged and reported to the person or organization who installed them. Keyloggers may be used by organizations to monitor workers or employees activities. Keyloggers can also be used as a form of spyware to steal confidential information and commit identity theft.
  • Hijackers
    Hijacker is a form of malware that changes the browser setting of the user's computer and redirected to of the developers choice. The user is usually redirected to start pages and search pages for paid advertising. Hijackers may slow the computer and cause the browser to crash.
  • Rogue Security Software
    Rogue security software is a form of malware that manipulates and scare people into buying a full version of fake application software. The fake software displays bogus scan reports and alerts, which are actually simulated to trick the user. The program takes over the whole computer system to prevent removal and in most cases block other applications including legitimate anti-malware programs from running.

Anti-malware Reviews

Something we must all do - get a firewall up and running

Prevention - no entry to malware!

Protecting your data, system and confidential information is very crucial. The consequences of data loss, identity theft can be very costly.
Make sure your firewall is up and running after all, you can get it free.
Go to your control panel - Security Center - firewall. Turn it on. Some malware security tools also come with in-built firewall.

Important!

Prevention

Prevent attacks by installing security software

Preventing and Removing Malware

Due to the fact that malware has become more complicated over time, the production of and use of malware removal tools is becoming more prevalent. Legitimate malware removal tools can combat and remove all kinds of malware. This brand of security tools may also include functionalities to prevent computer threats and attacks. To remove malware, you can either use free software, freeware such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware or complete commercial software, which you can download via the Internet.
Ultimately, the best thing to do is to prevent threats by ensuring the computer operating system is up to date, and a malware security tool is installed to thwart all attacks in real-time.

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