Types of Malware

Types of Malware

1. Crypto-malware

   • Crypto-malware is a type of ransomware that uses encryption to block access to data. It is difficult to overcome without paying the ransom or having a backup of the data.

2. Viruses

   • A virus is a malicious program designed to replicate itself. Viruses are typically attached to legitimate files, such as documents or installation programs. Not all viruses are designed to do damage to a computer; sometimes they are humorous or pranks, and other times, they are written by hackers trying to achieve infamy(becoming well known for a bad deed).

3. Ransomware

   • Ransomware is malware designed to hold a computer or data hostage until a ransom is paid. This might be by blocking access to data, changing the computer enough to make it hard to use or encrypting the data (Crypto-malware ^). Once the ransom is paid to the attackers, the data is usually released back to the user.

4. Worm

   • A worm is a type of malware whose sole purpose is to spread. Worms don’t often cause any damage to a computer or data, yet due to the rapid spread, it can cause issues on a network(consuming most or all available bandwidth, for example). Occasionally, a worm with will have a malicious payload that causes problems, such as deleting data on a computer.

5. Trojan

   • A trojan is a malicious application that misleads users that are often hidden in installers. Once silently installed in the background, they do not try replicate; instead they often connect to a command and control server to report in and get further instructions. Trojans are often used by attackers to install backdoors to gain remote access to the computer at a later date.

6. Rootkit

   • A rootkit is a type of malware designed to enable attackers to connect to and control a compromised computer remotely, often giving full control. Rootkits have been known to record audio, video(webcam), capture keystrokes and steal data.

7. Keylogger

   • A keylogger, secretly captures all the keys pressed on the keyboard and either sends them to a remote server or record them to a file for later retrieval. Two-factor authentication can help protect against keyloggers, especially if it involves entering a unique code for each logon.

8. Adware

   • Adware is a type of malware whose primary purpose is to display ads on your computer, earning money for their creators. Adware displays ads without the user's permission and mostly occurs against browsers.

9. Spyware

   • Spyware is malware whose primary purpose is to steal sensitive information form a computer. Methods include intercepting keystrokes, stealing data directly, and hijacking microphones or webcams.

10. Bots

    • Computer bots come in two forms, good and bad. Good bots perform repetitive tasks, such as automating manual tasks. Bad bots take over your computer, report back to a command and control server, and wait for instructions. Bots are often part of a "botnet" - a bund of bots connected together to a command and control infrastructure. Botnets are routinely used to perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

11. RAT

    • A remote access Trojan is a type of malware designed to create a backdoor and provide administrative control to a computer. RATs can be packaged with legitimate downloads (trial programs), and gain access to a computer without a user knowing about it.

12. Logic bomb

    • When malware is designed to create havoc on a specific date and time or when a specific condition is met, it is known as a logic bomb. Logic bombs are often destructive, deleting data or taking applications offline.

13. Backdoor

    • A backdoor is a type of malware that provides a secret way to gain access to a computer. A backdoor might provide a way to bypass the authentication by manipulating the URL or by performing a series of clicks in the right place. Backdoors can be available to anybody who you can find them, but are sometimes established by hackers to circumvent the normal access method.