9 different Types of Malware + How to protect yourself from malware

December 09, 2022 Hacking

Not all software is good for you. Some apps and programs can cause a lot of trouble. And the consequences can vary - from several bucks taken out of your bank account, annoying ads or pop-ups to massive data breaches causing millions of dollars in losses.


9 different Types of Malware and How to protect yourself from malware


In this article, we will tell 9 different Types of Malware + How to protect yourself from malware ...


What is Malware ?


The name itself says it all - Malware means malicious software. And the problem is that its developers are also sharpening their tools and finding increasingly inventive ways to hide them. Common malware examples include viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.


So it can invisibly piggyback on your downloads, coming in the form of an exciting new offer or camouflaged as a hideous malware, new game, or useful app. However, the worst are the ones you don't even notice.


9 Different Types of Malware


Here are some of the most popular forms of malware:


Adware


Although Adware is not the worst, it can be really annoying. It clogs your browser or operating system (OS) with intrusive ads and pop-ups, which can slow it down considerably. If you click on it, it may be a gateway to a more dangerous type of malware.


Spyware


Spyware does just what its name says - it spies on you. By injecting this program into your device, a cybercriminal can watch what you do and snatch your passwords and data. Or they may even start following you in the offline world.


Viruses


Viruses usually spread by attaching to other programs and thus infecting more users. You can activate the virus by running an infected legitimate file and spreading it by sharing the file with others.


Worms


Worms spread like viruses, but they don't do much harm other than annoying or scaring users.

 

Trojans


Like the Greek legend, Trojans act as backdoors for hackers to access data in the device. Like viruses, they attach themselves to legitimate software.


Ransomware


Using ransomware, hackers encrypt your data or disrupt your system and demand a ransom to retrieve it. The amount can range from a few $100 to millions.


rootkit


Rootkits are the most difficult to detect because they are hidden deep inside the system, and a hacker can use them to gain all privileges. Hence one can have such malware in the background running for a long time.


keylogger


Keyloggers can see what you type, so snoopers behind them can sniff out your passwords and sensitive data. Again, they run invisibly in the background, so tracing them is not easy.


Scareware


Scareware uses intimidation tactics to entice you to install malicious programs or click on shady links. They usually claim that you are infected with a virus and need some additional software to get rid of it or that someone is following you.

 

As you can see, some malware is fairly easy to identify because it comes in the form of invasive pop-ups, suspicious redirects, or new unfamiliar apps appearing on your desktop.


Other types are less visible, but the slow operation, large data consumption, or crashing devices are clear red flags that they are very likely malware. Malware can be really harmful, but there are ways to avoid it.

 


How to Protect yourself from malware ?

 

Here are a few tips:


  • Use anti-malware/malware removal or antivirus software.
  • Just make sure that you choose a secure and reliable option that does not track your data.
  • Use software that blocks malicious pop-ups and websites.
  • Be a cautious user.
  • Do not click on suspicious links and avoid downloading from or visiting shady websites.
  • Also, don't open messages or attachments from sources you don't trust.
  • You should know the symptoms of malware and check carefully if there is any irregularity in the domain name.
  • Educate yourself and others about current cybersecurity issues.
  • Things are changing fast out here, so it's always good to know about new threats.
  • It's also worth doing a quick Google search for websites that look suspicious.
  • back up your files.
  • This will protect you if malware disrupts your system, or if someone uses ransomware against you.
  • Update your software regularly to get the latest security patches.
  • Use strong passwords and change them from time to time.
  • Do not reuse the same accounts in different accounts.

 

Que: What is the short form of malware?


Malware is an abbreviation for "Malicious Software".

 

Conclusion

 

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