Cyber-attacks and cyber security have become heavily focused topic in
the media, but do you know what the different types of malware are and
how they can affect you?

SA1 recently released a blog article about the Trojan cyber-attacks
on the NHS and has previously run a serious of articles on ransomware,
but has not yet focused on the other types of malware that businesses
should be aware of.

One thing that everyone, individuals and businesses alike, should
remember is that regardless of the type of malware, the aim of this
software is to harm or destroy the information stored on your computer.
The term ‘Malware’ is short for Malicious Software, which is exactly what it is, it’s a software that compromises your computer.

So, what are the different types and what makes them different?

There are many different types of malware but some of the more common ones are:

• Adware: Or known by its full name;
  advertising-supported software, this malicious software will appear in
  the form of ads on your computer screen. Once you click on the ad it
  will infect your computer, don’t take this software for granted though
  as it can still do serious harm especially if bundled with spyware (see
  below) it can be significantly more dangerous.
• Spyware: Does exactly what it says, spies on you.
  This malware secretly tracks your activity including collecting
  keystrokes, data harvesting (collects any account information you have
  accessed while on your computer, for example, login details, passwords
  and financial data etc) and more. It usually uses the data it has then
  collected to send advertising (adware) that you are likely to click on
  back to you.
• Virus: A virus is a contagious piece of malware,
  it has the capability to copy itself and spread across other computers
  on the same network. This is very dangerous for businesses with multiple
  computers all on the same network, as multiple devices can be infected
  within a short space of time.
• Worms: A computer worm is one of the most common
  types of malware and they spread over networks by exploiting the
  vulnerabilities of the operating system. Worms work in a way that they
  affectively ‘eat’ the systems operating files and data files until the
  drive is empty.
• Rootkit: This type of malicious software is
  designed to remotely access and control a computer without being
  detected by either the users or security programmes installed on the
  device. Prevention and detection of this software can be difficult due
  to their stealthy operation, because it hides, typical security products
  are not effective against this software. To protect yourself, users
  should regularly patch vulnerabilities in software, applications and
  operating systems, keep virus protections up to date and avoid
  downloading anything suspicious.
• Trojan: A Trojan is one of the most dangerous
  types of malware, it is written with the sole purpose of finding your
  financial information. Its name comes from the Greek Trojan horse used
  to secretly enter the city of Troy. The Trojans brought the wooden horse
  statue into the city of Troy believing it was a peace offering from the
  Greeks, what they did not realise, was that Greek soldiers were hiding
  inside the horse ready to attack. This piece of software disguises
  itself as a normal file or program to trick the user into installing or
  downloading the malware.
• Ransomware: As previously mentioned in the SA1
  blogs, ransomware holds your computer system hostage until a ransom is
  paid. For tips on how to avoid Ransomware see SA1’s blog posts here.