What is a Malware?

Malware refers to a type of software that is specifically designed to cause harm or exploit a computer system, network or device. This malicious software can inflict damage to files, obtain sensitive information, or take over control of the system. Malware takes many forms such as viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, adware and more.

Viruses attach themselves to legitimate files and spread when executed, while trojans disguise themselves as authentic software and often have a backdoor that permits an attacker to take over the system remotely.

Spyware is designed to collect sensitive information like passwords, browsing history, and financial information from the user’s device.

Ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts the user’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Adware is another type of malware that displays unwanted ads or pop-ups and can also collect personal information.

Malware can infect a system through different channels such as email attachments, downloads from malicious websites, or taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the software or operating systems.

To prevent malware infection, it is crucial to have reliable antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your devices and to practice safe browsing habits.