Malware Types and Signs
Malware represent malicious programs that introduce abnormal behaviour in mobile or stationed computing devices. These bad software are categorised according to their intent or severity of service denial.
Their presence can cause computing devices to freeze or crash often, files hijacking, mutation or deletion, email sending without users knowledge, unexplainable network connections, decrease in web browsing speed, CPU usage surge, appearance of strange program icon or files.
They include:
Spyware: Its intent is to track and spy on the user either through activity trackers or and keystrokes. They often integrate its self with legitimate software and modify security settings
Adware: This is used to deliver advertisement to users and it pops up the intended adverts unexpectedly on the users screens. This can be so annoying and distracting.
Bot: Bot is designed to automatically perform actions on the systems especially online. Collection of infected bots forms botnets (Zombie) computers which can be programmed by attackers to achieve their aims.
Ransomware: This malicious software is designed to hold computer system or encrypts system data until requested ransom is redeemed. This can be spread by infected files.
Virus: Virus is executable code written to disrupt computer system by attaching itself to other legitimate system executable codes to run. It requires user action to spread either through USB, file share, networks or emails.
Trojan horse: This malicious software hide under the pretense of an expected file. Once it is clicked, the embedded code exploits the user’s privileges and bind itself to non-executable files. Some images, audio files and games can be bundled with Trojan horse malware.
Worms: This is self-replicating program that need not the users action to propagate once infected. They exploit vulnerabilities in the network through the payload it contains. Worms usually slow down networks.
Rootkit: This is designed to modify computer operating systems by implanting its own malicious software and create backdoors for attackers to access systems remotely. Rootkit can turn off systems security settings to avoid being detected.
Thanks
Engr. Chikwado Okeke
Cybersecurity Professional
https://possibond.com.
+234(0)8127944123