Malware – malicious software
Malware (malicious software) is a collective name for program code created to disrupt, damage, or inappropriately or illegally exploit computer systems. The purpose may be to take control of systems and spy on activities, steal user credentials, or attack others from the hijacked system.
Malware is most often spread by advanced cybercriminals to conduct extortion. Even hostile states can use malware for undue influence or espionage as a purpose.
Virus or computer virus is not quite the same thing as malware , but one of several different types of malware that a computer system can suffer from.
Some of the most common types of malware:
Virus: Self-replicating code with a harmful effect on infected systems.
Worms: Independent malware programs that can spread unchecked across both local computer networks and the Internet.
Trojans: Programs that pretend to be something else. May have features such as spyware or ransomware.
Spyware : A program whose purpose is to collect information and pass it on without the knowledge of the attacked.
Ransomware (hostage program, extortion program): A program that encrypts and blocks files on the attacked computer. The purpose is usually to request a ransom to restore the system.
Rootkits ( ghost programs ): Hidden program code that gives access to parts of the computer system that should normally be protected.
Backdoors : Programs that provide access to a computer by bypassing normal login with username and password. Can be used to allow the attacker to control the computer remotely.
How can you be affected by malware?
Phishing
The most common way to spread malware is so-called phishing, a type of social manipulation, where the user downloads the malicious code by clicking on a link in an email or a website or by being tricked into downloading exciting programs from the Internet.
Security flaws
Attackers also tend to make use of security flaws in computer systems. It is important to install the latest security protection and software updates.
How do you protect yourself against malware?
Do not open emails from unknown senders
Update operating systems and security protections, browsers and software
Avoid unsafe websites. The connection protocol https ( hypertext transfer protocol secure ) indicates that the Internet connection is encrypted. As a user, you must then be able to trust that the web server is the same as it claims to be.
Install an adblocker to avoid pop -ups and other unwanted advertising.
Install a good antivirus program
How can you tell if you have been affected by malware?
The computer may suddenly become much slower. It could be because someone is working in the background. If you have problems starting up and shutting down the computer, it may be due to malware .
Reduced storage space in the computer can be a sign of a malware attack . Malware can take up a lot of space in your computer's storage space.
If you are redirected to websites you did not search for and if the browser works much slower, it may be a suspected malware attack .
How to get rid of malware?
Scan the computer with an antimalware program or malware remover .
Backup regularly so that you can recover your computer after, for example, a ransomware attack. Paying the ransom is usually not a good solution. The attacks may recur.
Once the malware is removed, change all passwords.