malware

malware

1. Virus it will add itself to a file on your computer and, every time the file is opened, the virus runs and once more seeks out other files to infect. New viruses appear every day, and so the anti-virus companies are constantly updating their software to keep up with them.

2. Worm. Instead, it tries to copy itself so many times that the whole system runs out of resources and crashes. One of the most famous worms is the ILOVEYOU email worm.

3. Trojan. A trojan appears to be a harmless application - a downloaded game for example. You play the game, but meanwhile it is running in the background carrying out its real intent - maybe letting someone else access to your computer.

4. Spyware. It does this by using a key logger to record every key pressed on the keyboard. It might also take screen shots. This information is then sent secretly over the internet to the criminals. Spyware is often used for identity theft or to gather passwords for bank accounts

5. Ransomware. Ransomware encrypts critical files and data, making them unusable. Eventually it presents the user with a ransom, demanding money be sent to the attackers to unlock the system.

6. Scareware. Scareware will cause a pop-up to appear on your screen which will say something like 'Your computer has a virus.In reality, you do not actually have a virus. The scareware it trying to frighten you into purchasing and downloading the software which itself may actually contain malware.

7. Rootkits. Rootkits give other people permissions and access to your computer, allowing them to take it over remotely and do whatever they like. It is designed to run even before the operating system itself is booted up and it continues to stay active in the background while you are using the computer.