Malicious Software is a broad term that refers to any software designed with malicious intent to cause harm, steal information, or disrupt the normal operations of computers and networks. It is also known as Malware.
You can understand Malware like a bad guy for computers. It’s software created to mess up your computer, steal your info, or spy on you.
Types of Malware
There are many types of malicious software. Here we discuss few of them :
1. Viruses
A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to clean files or programs. It requires user action to activate and spread.
How it comes: It often comes through infected email attachments, downloads, or shared files.
How it affects: When the infected file or program is executed, the virus activates, replicates, and spreads to other files or programs.
What it does: Viruses can corrupt or delete data, disrupt system operations, and degrade system performance. Some may display messages or prompt the system to behave erratically.
2. Worms
A worm is a standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers.
How it comes: Worms exploit vulnerabilities in network services, email, or software to spread without user intervention.
How it affects: They spread rapidly across networks, consuming bandwidth and overloading systems.
What it does: Worms can cause network congestion, degrade performance, and in some cases, carry payloads that deliver additional malware or conduct destructive actions.
3. Trojans
Trojans are malicious programs disguised as legitimate software. Users are tricked into installing them.
How it comes: Trojans often come from downloads of seemingly legitimate applications, email attachments, or deceptive links.
How it affects: Once installed, trojans can create backdoors, allowing attackers to access the system unnoticed.
What it does: They can steal data, install additional malware, create botnets, or enable remote control of the infected system.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom for the decryption key.
How it comes: It typically spreads through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.
How it affects: Victims are locked out of their files or systems, facing demands for payment to regain access.
What it does: Ransomware encrypts files, displays ransom notes, and may threaten to delete or publish data if the ransom is not paid.
5. Spyware
Spyware is designed to secretly monitor and collect information about a user's activities.
How it comes: It often comes bundled with legitimate software, through phishing attacks, or via malicious websites.
How it affects: Spyware runs in the background, often undetected, and can significantly slow down system performance.
What it does: It tracks user activity, records keystrokes, captures screenshots, and sends collected data to the attacker.
6. Adware
Adware displays unwanted advertisements on the user's device, usually in the form of pop-ups.
How it comes: It commonly comes bundled with free software or through deceptive downloads.
How it affects: Adware can slow down system performance and alter browser settings.
What it does: It generates revenue for the attacker by displaying ads, redirecting searches, and tracking browsing habits.
7. Rootkits
Rootkits are designed to gain root or administrative access to a system while hiding their presence.
How it comes: Rootkits can be installed through trojans, worms, or by exploiting system vulnerabilities.
How it affects: They provide the attacker with unauthorized access and control over the system.
What it does: Rootkits hide other malware, allow remote control of the system, and can disable security software.
8. Botnets
Botnets are networks of infected computers controlled by an attacker, often referred to as bots or zombies.
How it comes: Systems become part of a botnet through malware infections, typically spread via phishing, malicious downloads, or network vulnerabilities.
How it affects: Botnets can consume system resources, degrade performance, and compromise the security of the infected systems.
What it does: They are used for large-scale attacks like DDoS, sending spam, spreading malware, and make necessary improvements.
Signs of Malware Infection:
Slow Performance: Your computer may suddenly run slower than usual, taking longer to start up or open programs.
Pop-up Ads: You might see unexpected pop-up ads, especially when you're browsing the internet.
Unexplained Changes: Settings on your computer or browser may change without your input. For example, your homepage or default search engine could be different.
Strange Behavior: Programs may start crashing or freezing unexpectedly, or your mouse pointer might move on its own.
How to be safe from these ?
1. Use Antivirus Software
- Install a good antivirus program on your computer. This software helps to detect and remove viruses and other harmful programs that can mess up your system.
2. Keep Your Software Updated
- Always update your computer's operating system (like Windows or macOS) and other software (like web browsers and apps). Updates often include fixes for security problems that hackers can use to attack your computer.
3. Be Careful with Email
- Don't open emails from people you don't know. Sometimes emails can have links or attachments that contain viruses. If you're not sure, it's better not to click on them.
4. Be Safe Online
- When you browse the internet, be cautious about clicking on ads or pop-ups. Stick to websites you know are safe. Look for a little padlock icon in the address bar and "https://" at the beginning of the web address to know a site is secure.
5. Download Software from Trusted Sources
- Only download software from official websites or app stores. Avoid downloading free stuff from random websites, as they can hide viruses.
6. Use Strong Passwords
- Use passwords that are hard for others to guess. Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use the same password for all your accounts.
7. Backup Your Important Stuff
- Regularly save copies of your important files to an external hard drive or a cloud service. This way, if something bad happens to your computer, you won't lose your important stuff.
8. Stay Informed
- Keep learning about the latest online threats. Understand what scams and tricks hackers use, so you can avoid falling for them.
9. Use Two-Factor Authentication (if available)
- For important accounts like email or banking, use two-factor authentication (2FA) if it's offered. This adds extra security by requiring a second way to prove it's really you logging in.
10. Be Smart with Your Smartphone
Protect your smartphone and tablet too. Install security apps and only download apps from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What if your system is infected from malware already ?
* Isolate Your Device
- Disconnect from the Internet: Immediately disconnect your device from any network, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. This helps prevent the malware from spreading further and communicating with its source.
* Assess the Symptoms
- Identify Signs of Infection: Look for common signs of malware infection such as slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, changes in settings, or unusual behavior.
* Run Antivirus and Antimalware Scans
Use Your Installed Security Software: Run a full system scan using your antivirus and antimalware programs. Let them quarantine or remove any detected malware.
Consider Additional Tools: If your regular security software doesn't resolve the issue, use reputable standalone malware removal tools like Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, or others recommended by trusted sources.
* Restore from Backup (if possible)
Use Clean Backup: If you have backups of your important files made before the infection occurred and they were stored safely (not on the infected device), use them to restore your files.
Be Cautious: Ensure the backup is clean and free of malware before restoring it to avoid reintroducing the infection.
* Update and Patch
- Update Operating System and Software: After removing the malware, update your operating system and all installed software to the latest versions. This helps close security vulnerabilities that malware might have exploited.
* Change Passwords
- Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords for your important accounts, especially those related to finances, email, or sensitive information. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
* Seek Professional Help (if needed)
- IT Support: If you're unsure how to proceed or suspect the infection is severe, seek help from a professional IT technician or a reputable tech support service.