Understanding the Different Types of Malware

Malicious software — or malware — is talked about when a dangerous software is used to access and infect a computer or information technology (IT) network without being detected. People frequently hear terms such as viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, computer worms or Trojan horse viruses; all are different types of malware that can severely damage your business-critical IT systems. Nuvodia is constantly on the lookout to find these treacherous codes and put a stop to them, before they cause significant damage.

All forms of malware are extremely dangerous once they infiltrate a device. Malware primarily differs by its function, threat and location:

Viruses

  • Function — Software that replicates itself after it is activated.
  • Threat — Viruses will corrupt or delete data.
  • Location — Comes in emails.

Adware

  • Function — Software that throws advertisements up on your screen (pop-ups).
  • Threat — Can also corrupt your server and disable you from getting online.
  • Location — Found on the web; can appear through potential unwanted programs.

Spyware

  • Function — Software that sneakily clings to your computer’s operating system (OS).
  • Threat — Collects all kinds of information.
  • Location — Can come in through terms and conditions you accept.

Ransomware

  • Function — Software from crypto-virology that will lock you out of your own files.
  • Threat — They will block you from your own files until you pay a ransom.
  • Location — Usually carried in through a download or an attachment in an email.

Computer Worms

  • Function — Software that relies on vulnerabilities in a computer and spreads like a virus.
  • Threat — They replicate to a point that your network is damaged and bandwidth is consumed.
  • Location — Found in vulnerable codes.

Trojan Viruses

  • Function — Software that looks legitimate, but is activated after its program is clicked.
  • Threat — Designed to damage your computer in any way: disrupt, steal, infect, etc.
  • Location — They appear in what looks like normal social media ads or other normal links.

These descriptions summarize some of the key components of what these malicious software programs can do. Note that all malware carries an equal amount of concern when your computer is affected. Botnet, Rootkit, Spam are a few other types of malware you might encounter.

Secure Your Business-Critical IT Infrastructure From Malware

Malware originated as pranks and experiments; now, it is always destructive. Nuvodia uses programs such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions from Fortinet™ to combat these dangerous attacks. When your IT network or computer is infected by malware, call Nuvodia immediately at (509) 838-8764. Our security forensics experts can help to mitigate any additional damage to your IT infrastructure or disruptions to your business operations.

It is no longer a question of if you will be hacked, it is a question of when will you be hacked and how quickly will you be able to react to it.

Sterling Lipscomb (Nuvodia, Senior Technology Consultant)

Malware is not the only form of dangerous online attack; spoofing, phishing and other security hackers might be able to penetrate your computer’s basic line of defense. Contact Nuvodia to detect any threats before they become a problem.

By Josh Andrade (Nuvodia, Marketing Specialist)

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