Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. August 27, What are the different types of malware? How is malware injected or deployed? How to prevent, detect, and remove malware What is malware? These are the most common types of malware to recognize: Malware viruses Worm malware Trojan malware Ransomware Bots or botnets Adware malware Spyware Rootkits Fileless malware Malvertising 1.
Malware viruses. Worm malware Worms , similar to malware viruses, are a type of malware that replicates itself. Trojan malware What are Trojans? Ultimately, ransomware can: Hold devices hostage Make data inaccessible through encryption Result in financial loss Ransomware example WannaCry, : This ransomware attack targeted thousands of computer systems around the world that were running Windows OS and spread itself within corporate networks globally. Adware malware Adware, as the name indicates, is malware that involves advertising.
Sometimes this is for marketing purposes. Where adware can go wrong is when these ads collecting your data with malicious intent, be it to sell it to third parties or leverage it for identity theft or credit card fraud. Ultimately, spyware can: Breach personal privacy Collects confidential data, including by logging keystrokes Steal data Result in identity theft or credit card fraud Spyware example DarkHotel, : This keylogger spyware targeted government and business leaders using hotel Wi-Fi.
This type of malware is often spread through phishing and malicious downloads or attachment. Fileless malware Fileless malware is a type of malware that uses software, applications, and protocols already built-in or native to device operating systems to install and execute malicious activities. Ultimately, fileless malware can: Disrupt antivirus software Steal data Fileless malware example Astaroth, : This fileless malware was a true info-stealer and primarily targetted Windows devices and in specific countries, including Brazil.
Ultimately, malvertising can: Result in ransomware attacks Steal data Result in credit card fraud Malvertising example The media, : The New York Times, BBC, AOL, and other news sites unknowing served malvertisements to readers that set out to hold hostage computers and demand a ransom.
Exploiting security vulnerabilities is when cybercriminals manually look for security holes in devices and networks that they can then inject malware into. Exploit kits are an alternative to manually exploiting security vulnerabilities. They are prewritten codes used to search for vulnerabilities in devices and, ultimately, inject malware in those security holes.
Drive-by downloads are when users visit a malicious website that is hosting an exploit kit for malware attacks.
It can encompass phishing, vishing , or smishing. How to prevent, detect, and remove malware. Use multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication, or two-factor authentication , adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by introducing an additional step in the login process.
Avoid suspicious emails, links, and sites Staying Cyber Safe means staying suspicious — suspicious of attachments from unknown sources, encouragements to click links, and even advertisements that seem too good to be true. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon. Microsoft and the Window logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.
The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Internet Security Centre.
Emerging Threats. Here are some of the unique tactics each type of spyware uses to track you:. It's used for marketing purposes. Trojans are a type of malware disguised as legitimate software. Just like the Trojan horse from Greek mythology, a trojan tricks you into letting it in or, more specifically, onto your device , by acting like a software update or file. Then it damages, disrupts, or steals your data. Internet tracking is a common practice used to follow your web activities—like browsing history and downloads—mostly for marketing purposes.
System monitors are a type of spyware that can capture just about everything you do on your computer. System monitors can record all of your keystrokes, emails, chat room dialogs, websites visited, and programs run.
System monitors are often disguised as freeware. What does spyware actually do? The better you understand how spyware works, the better you can defend against it. Generally, spyware:. How do you get spyware? Well, it was once more of a problem for Windows operating systems, but that's no longer strictly the case.
Basically, if your device can connect to the internet , it can be infected with spyware. Spyware creators may use clever tricks to deceive you.
The spyware may be packaged alongside free software made to seem like a useful tool, or in an email attachment that seems legitimate. Like a spy, it works covertly, gathering intel about you. You may have a spyware issue if your computer shows these symptoms:. Spyware creators tend to cast a broad net to gather vast amounts of information from as many people as possible.
That's why it's important to take precautions and practice good internet safety. Although anyone who uses the internet can potentially get spyware on their devices, there are ways to prevent spyware infections. Spyware authors have sophisticated ways of tricking internet users into unwittingly downloading spyware. It pays to treat anything unexpected or unknown that appears on your device or in your email inbox as suspect until proven otherwise. Spyware is a common problem for internet users.
If you think your device has been infected, there are steps you can take to remedy the problem. If you suspect your desktop or laptop computer has been infected with spyware, take these steps to identify the infection and remove it:. Once you've cleaned your system, consider adding an ounce of prevention.
There are high-quality anti-spyware tools available that will monitor your system continuously to help prevent spyware from accessing or modifying your personal information.
Pop-up ads start appearing frequently. Your default home page has changed. Your computer starts to run slowly, freeze or crash. Your browser redirects to unsolicited sites. How can I avoid infection? Prevention is the best defence but if your device is already infected, be sure to read our guide on how to remove spyware here. Make sure your security software includes protection against spyware. Run scans regularly. Be careful what you download. Ensure that you understand what the program will do.
Weigh up the risks and benefits. Take particular care with free or file-sharing music and video programs. Make sure you read the privacy statements too. Look out for reference to data-gathering and sharing information with third parties. Download only from known and trusted sources. Avoid clickable ads. Surf carefully.
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