Malware
The term “malware” refers to programs that are designed to “infect” an electronic device
(e.g. computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). Let’s discuss the different types of malware:
Viruses
Basically, viruses are computer programs that infect other programs. Most viruses run
only when the program they infected runs. This is the main reason why viruses are hard to
detect. A virus has two parts: the “infector” and the “payload”. Keep in mind, however,
that the payload is not required. That means a harmless program is still a virus if it
attaches itself to a trusted computer program.
Trojans
This term came from the legendary “Trojan Horse”, a large wooden horse that spelled
doom for Troy. In hacking, a Trojan is a program that contains other programs. The
“container” is typically harmless. In fact, it can be a program that attracts unsuspecting
users. Once a person downloads and installs a Trojan program, the malware inside will
spread in the target machine.
Spyware
This is one of the most dangerous malware out there. Basically, spyware records the
activities you do on your computer and transmits the data to the hacker. This data
transmission occurs via the internet. Hackers divide spyware into two types: harmless and
harmful. Harmless spyware focuses on non-confidential data (e.g. the websites you visit).
Harmful spyware, on the other hand, collects confidential information (e.g. passwords).
Adware
Basically, adware is a form of malware that shows advertisements on a person’s computer.
This malware becomes extremely active whenever the infected machine is online.
It is true that adware is one of the safest forms of malicious programs. However, it can be