Malicious Software, formally known as Malware:

What is Malware?

Malware is the collective name for a number of malicious software variants. Viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware are among the different kinds of malware.

What can Malware Do?

Malware is delivered in a number of different ways. The following is a list of some of the more common malware types and definitions.

Here are the most common offenders in the rogues’ gallery of malware:

Worms:

• are a type of malware similar to viruses, self-replicating in order to spread to other computers over a network, usually causing harm by destroying data and files.

Spyware: 

• is malware that secretly observes the computer. Hiding in the background on a computer, this type of malware will collect information without the user knowing, such as credit card details, passwords and other sensitive information.

Trojan:

•  It usually represents itself as something useful in order to trick you. Once it’s on your system, the attackers behind the Trojan gain unauthorized access to the affected computer. From there, Trojans can be used to steal financial information or install threats like viruses and ransomware.

Adware:

• is unwanted software designed to throw advertisements up on your screen, most often within a web browser. Typically, it uses an underhanded method to either disguise itself as legitimate, or piggyback on another program to trick you into installing it on your PC, tablet, or mobile device.