
Malware is a category of dangerous software programs that includes ransomware, viruses, and more.
These sneaky software programs can cause serious damage to your organization. Many cybercriminals use malware threats to steal data or gain remote access to secure systems.
Many people don’t realize that their systems have been compromised by malware until it’s too late. Let’s dive into the most common types of malware, how to spot them, and how to prevent attacks, so you can keep your systems safe from intruders.
Key Takeaways
- Malware is a category of software programs that can cause damage to computers and mobile devices.
- Malware is often used to steal sensitive data and launch cyberattacks.
- Most malware victims download these programs accidentally by clicking on an unsecured email attachment, visiting a dangerous website, or downloading unsecured free software programs.
- Malware can slow down your computer and cause it to crash. It can also generate annoying pop-up ads or even destroy your data.
- Learning how to spot and avoid social engineering scams can help you avoid malware attacks.
What is Malware?
Malware is short for malicious software and refers to any program designed to disrupt or damage your computer systems. Cybercriminals often use malware to steal sensitive data or gain unauthorized access to secure accounts.
Many people download malware without realizing it when opening spam emails, or as a byproduct when downloading other unsecured apps. As a result, many people don’t realize that they have malware on their device until after it’s already caused damage.
Common Types of Malware
There are several different types of malware attacks, and while some are more dangerous than others, they can all cause damage to your devices if they are not removed quickly.
Here are the types of malware you’re most likely to encounter.
Viruses
A virus is a type of self-replicating malware that can make copies of itself and spread across computers. They are often hidden in email attachments or malicious websites and will propagate when a user interacts with them.
Some viruses are harmless but annoying, while others can cause serious damage to your systems by destroying important files or interrupting your computer’s operations.
Computer viruses were first created in the 1940s, making it one of the oldest forms of malware around. Luckily, many devices now come with antivirus software to help prevent these malware infections from spreading.
Unlike other types of malware, viruses won’t spread automatically. A user needs to interact directly with the virus in order for it to spread. Avoiding malicious websites, app downloads, and email attachments can help you avoid viruses.
Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the most common and most dangerous forms of malware out there today. In 2023, 72.7% of organizations globally were affected by ransomware attacks.
Ransomware programs will take control of your device, locking and encrypting your files, programs, and systems so you can’t access them. The hackers behind the attack will demand a ransom payment to unlock your data. In many cases, they will demand payment in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency that is difficult to track.
Hackers often use this type of malware to target large organizations or wealthy individuals who can afford to make large ransom payments. They may also use ransomware to take control of valuable financial information or intellectual property that they can sell on the black market.
Ransomware downloads usually start when a victim clicks a link or downloads an attachment from a phishing email. They can also stem from malicious phishing websites created specifically for this purpose.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that is used to gather sensitive information from a target user’s device. It can track everything from personal information to credit card data to keystrokes and transmit that information back to the cybercriminal.
Hackers who use spyware will collect this data and sell it to other entities for a profit. In some cases, hackers will sell the data to advertisers, but in other cases, they may sell it to criminals who can use it to conduct identity theft.
Trojan Horses
A trojan horse is any type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate software program. They’re often hidden in free downloads for games, instant messengers, and other popular software apps.
Trojan horses can contain spyware, ransomware, adware, or any other form of malware. They’re often used to gain access to an operating system and create a botnet for future DDoS attacks.
Adware
Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer, often in the form of pop-up windows. These pop-up ads can interfere with your normal digital activities.
Hackers often spread malware through phishing emails and other social engineering scams, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in legitimate software programs.
Adware on its own is not always dangerous, but it can slow down your computer. Some hackers will also pair adware with more dangerous forms of malware, such as spyware or viruses.
Signs of Malware
In most cases, malware victims download these software programs without realizing it. However, there are some tell-tale signs of these malicious programs to watch out for. If you notice any of these issues on your device, see an IT expert right away to identify the problem and have the malware removed.
Slow Computers or Networks
Malware uses up a large portion of your system’s resources while it’s running, causing your computer to slow down. You might also notice that your internet connection is running slowly despite normal speed test results.
Frequent System Crashes or Error Messages
If your system is crashing in the middle of normal activities, that’s a sign that malware could be overloading it. You might also notice that you’re receiving odd or inexplicable error messages from your operating system.
Unexpected Pop-ups
If you’re noticing pop-up ads that seemingly come from nowhere, it could be a sign that your computer has been compromised by adware. Even when you close the ads, you’ll find that more quickly generate to fill the space, making it difficult to use your computer normally.
Unauthorized File Changes
Another common sign of malware is unauthorized changes to files on your computer, such as word documents, spreadsheets, or software programs. You might notice that parts of the file have been edited or deleted, or that they’ve been injected with malicious code. If your device has ransomware, you might also find that your files have been encrypted without your consent.
High Network Traffic
As you browse the internet, malware can take action without your consent, sending your network traffic levels skyrocketing. For example, the malware might download large files or make repetitive requests to target other systems.
How Can Malware Impact Your Company?
A malware attack can be devastating to your organization if it is successful. It takes time to remove malware, assess the damage, and reconfigure your systems, which can interfere with your normal business operations.
Repairing damaged systems and recovering lost data can also be very expensive. Ransomware recovery is particularly expensive, with an average cost of $2.73 million.
Additionally, malware could compromise customer data, intellectual property, and other sensitive information in your systems. Since today’s consumers are very concerned about cybersecurity this could severely damage your reputation and make it difficult to acquire new customers in the future. Depending on your industry, you may also be subject to fines for consumer data breaches.
Strategies to Prevent Malware
Malware attacks can be devastating, but there are steps you can take to keep your systems and your data safe. Here are some malware protection tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid opening any suspicious emails, attachments, or text messages, and train your team on the signs of phishing attacks.
- Keep your software programs updated, as many hackers exploit outdated software.
- Use web browsers with cybersecurity features such as download scanning to help you avoid dangerous apps and websites.
- Install anti-malware tools, threat intelligence, and other security software on your devices to notify you of potential malware risks in real time.
- If you’ve been targeted in a malware attack in the past, use strong passwords and implement multi-factor authentication for all your accounts.
In general, if a message, website, or computer program feels suspicious, don’t interact with it. Most malware downloads happen when the victim opens an unsecured attachment or visits a dangerous website.
How Can Tech Advisors Help?
Tech Advisors provides managed IT services to help keep your systems safe from cyber threats. Our team will help you implement comprehensive security solutions, including firewalls, antivirus tools, and 24/7 system monitoring to protect you from malware.
We also provide training to help your teams recognize the signs of phishing and avoid accidental malware downloads.
If you do have any infected devices, our team will help you remove the malware and troubleshoot any remaining issues, so you can focus on staying productive.