Malware: Introduction to Malware

Introduction

Viruses, worms, Trojans, and BOTS are all part of a class of software called Malware. Malware stands for malicious software. It is created by cyber criminals to harm the user’s computer. Some malware is created to gain financial help, while others are to destroy data We’ll start by looking at the original biological meaning of the word biological viruses, like the ones that can make you sick are parasitic. They inject their code, in this case, either DNA or RNA, into a host cell as a means of replication. This code causes the cell to make many copies of the virus and ultimately burst, sending new viruses everywhere.

Computer viruses operate via a similar principle, unlike some forms of Malware, which are fully executable programs. Viruses tend to be smaller pieces of code that fuse with other programs or files and only replicate when conditions are right, so they can be triggered by a certain date and time opening a certain program or even hitting a certain amount of disk usage. Of all things, after a virus is triggered, it will try to copy itself and spread, infecting other files and programs along the way. Sometimes over a network, and just like real viruses, these virus copies can be a little different from the original, making it hard for antivirus software to eliminate them.

This is similar to how the many variants of the cold virus make it difficult to create a vaccine. Some even come encrypted, making detection even more complicated. Of course, viruses, biological or digital, wouldn’t be a problem if all they did was copy themselves, but just like the chicken pox virus will make you sick, a computer virus can contain a payload that will cause some effect which could be anything from just displaying a joke to permanently corrupting your important data these days.

Why Malware is created

The overwhelming majority of Malware is created to make money illegally, often by stealing sensitive and confidential information from victims’ computers and mobile devices. Malware can also be used for cyber vandalism, cyber espionage, hacktivism, cyber warfare, and various other reasons. Malware can make entry onto your computer via questionable file downloads. Visiting infected websites or through email containing a seemingly benign link or attachment. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, meaning the virus may exist on a system but will not spread until a user opens the infected program. Viruses often originate on the internet and spread when downloading a file infected with a virus, Peer-to-peer file-sharing, or email attachments.

Different types of Malware

Virus

The virus is a type of malware that can copy itself and spread to other computers. It spreads by attaching itself to other files. If there is a virus on your system, it can’t take any action unless the user executes it. The viruses can delete or corrupt the system files and make the computer unusable.

Trojan

A trojan is a harmful piece of software that looks legitimate. Users are typically tricked into loading and executing it on their system. Trojans can not only steal your sensitive data but also give cyber crooks access to your system. Trojans are employed to access your computer’s financial and personal information.

Ransomware

Ransomware holds your PC hostage and demands money. It locks up your computer threatening to destroy data demanding ransom or payment for the release of your data files or to regain the ability to use your computer again.

Spyware

Spyware secretly gathers private information about user activity such as internet usage, logs, and keystrokes via keylogging to steal passwords and other sensitive data.

Worms

Worms can replicate themselves and infect multiple computers on a network causing major damage. Network worms often use computer networks to spread, slowing down traffic and relying on security failures such as outdated operating systems and no antivirus programs installed in contrast. Viruses require spreading an infected host file; worms are standalone software and do not require a host or human help to spread. The best way to protect your system from Malware is to keep your operating system clean by downloading regular patches and updates and ensuring that the latest antivirus software protects your computer from a trusted vendor. Worms are similar to viruses. While the virus needs the user’s action to spread, the worms don’t require that. The worms could have payloads that could damage the user’s computer. It can spread on its own by exploiting the network or system vulnerability. It is designed to overload the web servers by consuming bandwidth.

Adware

Adware is created to serve advertisements on the user’s computer. You will see pop-up browsers, redirects, hyperlinks advertisements in unusual places. These ads promote malicious and fraudulent products. The malware creator gains revenue based on clicks or views. Usually, adware records the user’s activity and acts like spyware.

Working of Anti-Malware

Best Free Antivirus and Anti-Malware Programs you need to install

Anti-malware primarily uses signature-based detection; however, anti-malware also uses behavioral analysis for some complex viruses. Anti-malware needs a signature and behavioral-based analysis to catch the worms. It also needs to have a network monitor feature to catch it. Since worms spread through the network, usually these are common types of malware, regular antivirus isn’t capable of catching all these threats. Modern anti-malware with behavioral analysis and signature-based detection could catch all these threats. The anti-malware should also support cloud-based scanning.

Malware: Introduction to Malware