Types of Malware

Malicious software, commonly known as malware, is a form of cybercrime involving software impacting system security. It consists of software being written specifically with an intent to intercept, exploit, or even disable devices and networks.

A malware attack is used to compromise device functionality, steal sensitive data, and cause harm to computers as well as other devices alongside the networks they are connected to, such as WiFi-based.

Anti-malware software is usually the first line of defense, as these stop cyber threats and halt criminals from gaining access. Malicious links and malicious downloads are often forms of malware spread.

Before learning to identify various types of malware, it is important to understand a few things about it. Let’s begin!

Understanding Malware

There are different types of malicious attacks, with the most common types of malware consisting of viruses, worms, keyloggers, trojans, ransomware/crypto-malware, rootkits, logic bombs, bots/botnets, and adware & spyware.

Malware attacks can be prevented by putting in place the following practices:

• Instating security policies
• Implementing security awareness training within the relevant industry, i.e., educational institutions and companies
• Performing routine vulnerability assessments to assess websites and software strengths and get rid of a potential software bug
• Using app-based multi-factor authentication
• Installing anti-malware & spam filters
• Changing default operating system policies

It’s important to note that no system is 100% vulnerability free or “hacker-proof.” If a threat actor has enough time, resources, and manpower to launch an attack, chances are they will find a way in.

Types of Malware Attacks

In 2018, there were over 800 million reported malware infections, and an approximation of 95% of these malware infections was delivered through email (CSO). No devices were immune to these infections, not even mobile devices.

This year, a new array of malware variants have also been discovered, causing a drastic increase in cyberattacks.

With malware attacks rising at an aggressive pace, it is essential to identify various types of malware i.e. viruses, worms or Trojan horses; that facilitate the execution of malicious attacks on software. This, in turn, assists with instating protective measures in place to secure the accessed network, sensitive data of users, and any form of critical business data.

Understanding Key Variants of Malware

The most popularly executed forms of malware exist as viruses, adware, worms, Trojan Horses, spyware, and ransomware attacks. This is what they are and how they spread:

Viruses

A virus is created to damage the computer or device being targeted. It does so by corrupting data, reformatting the hard disk, and possibly completely shutting down the system.

Viruses assist in stealing confidential information and money, as one can gain unauthorized access. They can also permanently harm devices and networks, create botnets, render advertisements, and cause more forms of extensive damage in the process of leaving data compromised.

Computer viruses would primarily require human coding action to cause a malware infection, whereas, for computers and mobile devices, viruses are often spread via email attachments with embedded links and forms of internet downloads.

Worms

One common form of sophisticated malware attacks would be worms. Worms spread across computing networks by preying upon operating system vulnerabilities.

A worm itself is an autonomous program that replicates to infect other computing systems without requiring any further action from an acting body, as it exploits existing systems.

Since they spread at a rapid speed, worms are used to execute what is known as a payload. This refers to a piece of code created to specifically damage a system. Payloads act by deleting files on a host system. They can encrypt data for ransomware attacks, steal confidential data, delete files, and assist in the creation of botnets.

Ransomware

Ransomware is the most common type of discussed attack when it comes to malware. This is because ransomware generates the most money for cybercriminal attacks.

It literally holds data captive as ransom and demands payment to release the held data back.

It restricts user access to the computer by encrypting files on the hard drive or locking down the system while displaying blackmailed messages applying pressure upon the user to pay in order to release the gained data possessions.

Once the attacker is paid, the system and data return to their original state.

Trojan Horse

A Trojan horse or “Trojan” is also a sneaky form of malware. It enters the system disguised as a normal file or program, specifically catered to trick the user into downloading and installing a malware infection.

Upon installing this Trojan, access is immediately granted to cybercriminals by the user to the computing system.

Through a Trojan horse, cybercriminals can:

• Steal data,
• Install other versions of malware,
• Change files
• Spy upon and monitor user activity
• Destroy data
• Steal financial data and information
• Conduct denial of service (DoS) attacks on targeted web addresses.

Trojan malware, unlike worms, cannot clone, but if combined with a worm, the damage Trojans can do is lethal.

Spyware

Installed on computing devices without the user’s knowledge, spyware is intricately designed to track a user’s browsing habits and internet activity.

These spyware capabilities also tend to include features such as collecting keystrokes, additional activity monitoring, and harvesting of account information with logins, financial data, and others.

Spyware is mainly spread by exploiting vulnerabilities and gaps within the existing software, as it can bundle with legitimate software or within Trojans.

Fileless Malware

Fileless malware is a variant of malicious activity using native, legitimate tools built into a system, allowing the execution of cyberattacks.

Unlike traditional malware, fileless malware does not require an attacker operating system files to install any code on a target’s system, which is what makes it quite difficult to detect.

This is key to assisting a cybercriminal in stealing password data, carrying out identity theft, and instilling security vulnerabilities amidst computer networks.

Adware

Adware is often known to target ad campaigns and is known as the aggressive advertising software, putting unwanted advertising on computer screens.

Malicious adware tends to collect data on individuals, redirect them to specific advertising sites, and can also change internet browser settings, the default browser, search settings, as well as the user’s homepage.

Adwares are picked up via browser vulnerability. Legitimate adware also exists but will request permission before collecting data.