How To Protect Your Business from Malware Once the attacker is paid, your system and data will usually go back to its original state. It restricts user access to the computer by either encrypting files on the hard drive or locking down the system and displaying messages that are intended to force the user to pay the attacker to release the restrictions and regain access to the computer. Ransomware is a type of malware that holds your data captive and demands payment to release the data back to you. Because ransomware generates so much money for cybercriminals, it is the type of malware we hear the most about. Legitimate adware does exist, but it will ask your permission first before collecting data about you.Īccording to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is predicted to cost the world 6 trillion dollars annually by 2021. You typically pick up adware through a browser vulnerability. Malicious adware can collect data on you, redirect you to advertising sites, and change your internet browser settings, your default browser and search settings, and your homepage. Spyware can spread by exploiting software vulnerabilities, bundling with legitimate software, or in Trojans.Īdware is often known for being an aggressive advertising software that puts unwanted advertising on your computer screen. Spying capabilities can include activity monitoring, collecting keystrokes, and harvesting of account information, logins, financial data, and more. Installed on your computer without your knowledge, spyware is designed to track your browsing habits and internet activity. Trojan malware cannot replicate by itself however, if combined with a worm, the damage Trojans can have on users and systems is endless. Through the Trojan horse, the cyber criminal can steal data, install more malware, modify files, monitor user activity, destroy data, steal financial information, conduct denial of service (DoS) attacks on targeted web addresses, and more. As soon as you install a Trojan, you are giving cyber criminals access to your system. Payloads can delete files on a host system, encrypt data for a ransomware attack, steal information, delete files, and create botnets.Ī Trojan horse, or “Trojan”, enters your system disguised as a normal, harmless file or program designed to trick you into downloading and installing malware. Since they can spread fast, worms are often used to execute a payload-a piece of code created to damage a system. A worm is a standalone program that replicates itself to infect other computers, without requiring action from anyone. One of the most common types of malware, worms spread over computer networks by exploiting operating system vulnerabilities. They can also be used to steal information, harm computers and networks, create botnets, steal money, render advertisements, and more.Ĭomputer viruses require human action to infect computers and mobile devices and are often spread through email attachments and internet downloads. Viruses are designed to damage the target computer or device by corrupting data, reformatting your hard disk, or completely shutting down your system. Learn more about these common types of malware and how they spread: The six most common types of malware are viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Understanding the Six Most Common Types of Malware With malware usage continuing to rise, it’s important to know what the common malware types are and what you can do to protect your network, users, and critical business data. Symantec reported that groups using destructive malware increased by 25% in 2018. Malware on the RiseĪccording to a recent Internet Security Threat Report by Symantec, there were 246 million new malware variants discovered in 2018, and the percentage of groups using malware is on the rise, too. It is used to compromise device functions, steal data, bypass access controls, and cause harm to computers and other devices and the networks they are connected to. What is malware? Malicious software, or " malware," is software written with the intent to damage, exploit, or disable devices, systems, and networks. No devices were immune to these infections-not even mobile devices. In 2018, there were 812 million reported malware infections ( PurpleSecus Cyber Security Report), and 94% of those malware infections were delivered via email (CSO).
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