What are the Types of Malware Infecting Your Computer

Malware is a malicious computer program that is designed to infect your system and gain access to sensitive information without the user’s permission. Software is referred to known as malware based upon the intention of the developer. If the intent of any software design is malicious – that program is considered malware.

Based on the intent of the intruder or hacker, malware can be classified into one of several categories. The different types of malware include Ransomware, Adware, Spyware, Trojan, and viruses. Let us get into more detail and discuss each of these different types of malware.

Types of Malware

1. Ransomware

Ransomware is sophisticated malware programs specifically designed to encrypt user data and keep it as hostage, bargaining money in exchange for data. Over the years, many ransomware attacks took place that caused irreparable damage to various companies and other types of organizations, including hospitals.

During a ransomware attack, the user is denied access to their personal files and folders. The cybercriminal does so by using an encryption mechanism and or by locking the user out of their system. It forces the user to pay ransom to the hacker in order to get back the access to their computer.

2. Adware

As the name suggests, adware is malicious software that is used for advertising. Some of the most common ways to spread adware to infect your computer is through popup windows on various websites. Adware can also take the form of advertisements that are shown by different software programs that you have or are trying to install on your system.

On the Internet, the programs that are available for free are loaded with numerous adware programs. These types of adware are one of the ways to generate revenue for the developer.

3. Spyware

Spyware is another type of malicious program designed by cybercriminals to spy on users’ systems and data without their actual consent. These types of malware are known to keep an eye on what the user is trying to type on their keyboards. They also gather data on keystrokes to decipher users’ passwords and other sensitive information.

Spyware is known to actively monitor all the activities that the user is performing on their system and the Internet. Then, they use that data to steal their information and get access to their banking details. Spyware can also alter the security settings of users’ computer systems to gain back door entry.

4. Trojans

Also known as a Trojan Horse, Trojan is malicious software that disguises users in believing that it is an original file and makes them install it on their computer system. These types of malicious programs can create remote access in order to infect the user’s system and steal their data without the user knowing about it.

In addition to this, once the remote access is established, hackers can install other malicious programs on the users’ system. The intent of these malicious programs can vary from altering user files to keeping track of their activities.

5. Virus

This type of malicious program is the most common type of malware. It has the ability to create their own copies and spread them through other computer systems. The reason why viruses spread from one system to another because the infected file was shared from one system to another.

Detecting a virus is important as they can modify and delete the content of your files and folders. Their ability to infect other systems makes them one of the most dangerous types of malware.

How to Secure Your System from Malware

The number of malware attacks on the system is ever-increasing. Though there is no way to eliminate them completely, at least you can try and safeguard your data with an added layer of security. This added layer of security can be achieved through the use of a competent antivirus solution.

There many different antivirus brands available in the market, which offer both free and paid software programs. In addition to the basic security against viruses and malware, antivirus solutions come with various features such as parental control, firewall, password manager, and system scans.

BestAntivirusPro is where you can get access to the detailed reviews of all different types of free and paid antiviruses. These reviews offer a detailed explanation about their features, pricing, pros, and cons, among other details. Pick up the one antivirus solution that better suits your needs and start protecting yourself and your system from malware.

Final Thoughts

Malware is continuously on the rise, while actively looking to steal data and make some money out of it. Having an antivirus solution installed on your system can help you get protection from different types of malware.