For the majority of individuals, the internet is their life. The majority of us cannot live without the internet, our smartphones, our laptops, and any other device that can connect to the internet. We entrust a portion of our lives to the internet, whether it’s for work, education, banking, or most importantly, social connections. And in doing so, we expose our data to the vast internet, which may sometimes unintentionally expose us to dangers we are unaware of. Some of us are just browsing websites, gaining access, and are blissfully ignorant of the many ways in which our privacy may be jeopardized. Many of us are less informed about malware dangers, hackers, and individuals with malicious intent who use our ignorance to get access to our data. They may alter, steal, and destroy our personal information without our knowledge using malware. And even anonymous browsing over a secure VPN is not sufficient protection against data theft. So what is a MALWARE? This term refers to malicious software. This may result in a loss of privacy, illegal access, and can also propagate. They cause some kind of havoc on computers. It has an effect on the computer in the following ways:
- Websites
- Physical media (ex: Flash-drive)
- Pop up window
- Software
- Illegal file sharing
We’ve listed many different types of malware threats that may infect or are currently active on one of your devices.
Malware types
A. Virus – this kind of infection requires human/user interaction (clicking, downloading, running, or opening); unless it receives human intervention, it will not infiltrate your system.
- Steal information
- Delete data
- Software code
- Self-replicate
- Alter data
- Passive transmission
- Can mutate
- Can send data to a 3rd Party
B. Worm – it spreads automatically, eats bandwidth, and causes a web server to become overloaded.
- Steal information
- Delete data
- Self-contained software
- Self-replicates alter data
- Active transmission
- Can mutate
Disguised malware
A. Trojan horse – this is secret software that enters your system undetected. It is capable of infiltrating the process of installing applications.
- Steal information
- Can open a backdoor
- Disguised as a useful program
- Non self-replicating
- Conscript host for bot net
- Keystroke and webcam logging
B. Rootkits – undetectable or hidden malware that may cause damage to the computer or use significant amounts of its resources or bandwidth without being recognized by users or security applications.
C. Backdoors – it bypasses authentication and gains access to the system directly. Backdoors are similar to Trojans or worms, except that they create a network link via which hackers or other Malware may enter or infections or SPAM can be delivered.
Programs that are obnoxious or just for fun
- Funny software – mouse reverses direction or a joke pop-up message displays false information
- Spam – unsolicited email
- Infection hoax – warns about an erroneous virus and requests that it be sent
Programs for profit
- Adware – pop-up advertisements
- Botnets – Botnets are a term that refers to a network of computers that are controlled by third parties.
- Ransomware – often referred to as “want to cry”. It charges a fee to decrypt your system.
- Advance fee fraud – email offers
- Spyware – Spyware is a kind of software that monitors your online activity in order to deliver advertising (Adware) to your system.
- Dialers – it is installed without your knowledge on your computer. This either changes the dial-up number on your internet connection to a premium rate number or dials premium rate numbers, resulting in high-cost phone bills.
- Keylogger – this software captures everything you write on your computer in order to extract your log-in names, passwords, and other sensitive information and send it to the program’s author.
- Phishing – Phishing is a kind of scam. It uses email and other contact methods to pose as a respectable organization or individual. It spreads malicious links and attachments through email, which may perform a number of tasks, including the retrieval of victims’ login credentials or account information.
And how are we going to defend ourselves from all of this malware? Using an anti-malware program is a critical step in protecting your devices from their malicious purposes.
These recommendations will assist you in safeguarding your PC from malware infection.
- Upgrade your operating system and any other installed applications to the most recent versions.
- Regularly check for updated versions.
- Avoid clicking on links whose destination you are unfamiliar with, as well as downloading files or attachments from unknown sources.
- Ascertain that your antivirus software is up to date.
Being informed of various types of malware and how to defend against them, along with the use of secure VPN providers’ services, ensures the security of your personal information. Everyone has a safe and anonymous surfing experience!