What is Malware?

Malware, short for “Malicious Software”

Malware is harmful software or firmware that infects computers, servers and networks. Once infected, the malware takes control of network devices with the purpose of data exfiltration, from full intellectual property theft to keystroke logging or even taking control of a system’s functionality, like that of a web camera.

Common Types of Malware

• Ransomware: Ransomware is spread via deceptive links and phishing emails, this malware encrypts your system and/or files, encrypting them down until a ransom is paid.
• Bots: Some bots are harmless and some bots are engineered to be evil, like in the case of IoT botnets, a collection of machines formed to launch DDoS attacks. Bots can also be used for equally destructive exploits in spambots, a program designed to send spam and phishing attempts.
• Viruses: This form of malware replicates itself, infecting other machines. It’s goal, like Coronavirus or the flu virus, is to replicate itself as far and wide as possible. The viruses multiply via infected websites, removable storage media, emails and other methods.
• Additional malware types: rootkit, adware, software bugs, spyware, worms, and trojans.