What is Malware?
Malware is a collective term for malicious software designed to execute unauthorized and harmful actions on a computer.
Examples of malware include:
- Virus: Malware that rewrites parts of other programs and self-replicates. It typically infects systems by modifying legitimate programs, resembling biological viruses in behavior.
- Worm: Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host program to replicate and spread autonomously. Their standalone nature earns them the name "worm."
- Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as legitimate applications or document files, infiltrating the target computer to perform harmful actions based on external commands.
- Spyware: Malware that resides on the target computer, collecting confidential information.
- Adware: Software that delivers advertisements. Not all adware is classified as malware, but some adware functions as spyware by collecting information without user consent.
- Ransomware: Malware that restricts access to a computer or encrypts its data, often demanding a ransom to restore the system to normal. This behavior gives it the name "ransomware."
Malware can infect systems through various methods, such as opening files attached to emails, visiting malicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications. Additionally, in targeted attacks, custom "variants" (modified versions of existing malware) are often deployed, which may bypass conventional antivirus software. Consequently, effective malware defense requires both preventive measures to stop infections and strategies to mitigate the impact in case of infection.