Virus Types

Virus Types

1. Ransomware

   • Malicious Software which locks data
   • Demands money to unlock data
   • Money should never be given

2. Worms

   • Standalone piece of malware which replicates itself to spread to other computers.
   • Often uses computer network to spread itself, exploiting security flaws.

3. Ad-Ware

   • Software which causes pop ups and ad banners in order to generate revenue
   • A lot of Freeware will use Ad-Ware
   • If Ad-Ware is used maliciously it is considered Spy-Ware or Malware

4. Spy-Ware

   • Aids in gathering information on a person without them knowing
   • Monitors and logs activities performed on a target system
   • Some Spy-Ware is legal if consent is given for use. eg. Keyloggers

5. Malware

   • Malicious software intended to cause harm

6. Trojan Horse

   • Appears as legitimate software but contains malicious code which creates back doors
   • Usually results in loss or theft of data

7. Virus

   • Infects a computer and installs itself to other computers without the users knowledge
   • Usually attaches itself to other files, software or to the boot sector of the hard drive