Malware Types

Let’s discuss programs containing malicious code—known as malware (malicious software)—and look at their main types.

Malware – software containing malicious code.

Virus – a virus is a type of malware that enters a computer via email, USB drives, or direct messaging. It can delete or modify files.

Trojan (Trojan Horse) – It appears to be a standard program but contains embedded malicious code. It enables remote access to a PC, the theft of files from an FTP server, the deletion or corruption of files, and DDoS attacks.

Adware – A type of malware responsible for displaying advertisements and pop-ups on the computer.

Ransomware – Malicious code that restricts access to a device and/or files; typically, the attacker demands payment to lift this restriction.

Rootkit – used by hackers to gain administrator privileges on computers.

Spyware – malicious code that sends our information to a hacker.

Worm – a self-executing, self-replicating program capable of copying itself to every PC

on a network, thereby slowing down or blocking traffic.