Malware
Malware is any type of harmful program that seeks to damage or gain unauthorised access to your computer system.
Part 1: SiX Types of Malware
Virus
A virus can replicate itself and spread from system to system by attaching itself to infected files.
A virus is only activated when opened by a human.
Once activated, a virus can change data or corrupt a system so that it stops working.
Trojan
A trojan is a harmful program that looks like legitimate software so users are tricked into installing it.
A trojan secretly gives the attacker backdoor access to the system.
Trojans do not self replicate or infect other files.
Ransomware
Ransomware locks files on a computer system using encryption so that a user can no longer access them.
The attacker demands money from the victim to decrypt (unlock) the data.
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Attackers usually use digital currencies like bitcoin which makes it hard to trace them.
Spyware
Spyware secretly records the activities of a user on a computer.
The main aim of spyware is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information.
All recorded information is secretly passed back to the attacker to use.
Keylogger
A keylogger secretly records the key presses of a user on a computer. Data is stored or sent back to the attacker.
The main aim of a keylogger is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information.
Keyloggers can be downloaded or plugged into the USB port.
Worm
A worm can replicate itself and spread from system to system by finding weaknesses in software.
A worm does not need an infected file or human interaction to spread.
A worm can spread very quickly across a network once it has infiltrated it.
Part 2: Four ways malware cAN infect your system
1. Accidentally
downloading an infected file from an insecure website.
2. Phishing emails - clicking on attachments or links in spam emails.
3. Installing malware from a physical device, e.g. USB stick.
4. Self-replicating malware, such as worms, spreading across a network.
