Malware

What is malware?

Malware is short-hand for malicious software. Malicious software is any type of software program that runs on a computer system with the intention of causing harm to that system.

There are a variety of different types of malware, all of which server different purposes and range in severity of damage to a targeted system. Adware, for example, typically monitors a users computer habits and displays advertising which is likely to appeal to the user. Whilst Adware doesn't steal any data from your system, it does damage your privacy.

Malware such as keyloggers and spyware however, monitor your computer system with the goal of stealing valuable information. This could be passwords you use or confidential data that shouldn't normally be accessible.

Types of malware:

• Adware
• Bots
• Ransomware
• Rootkits
• Keyloggers
• Spyware
• Trojan horses
• Worms

Ransomware

Ransomeware is a type of malware that infects a target system and encrypts data within that system to prevent the user or owner from being able to access it.

Ransomware typically holds the encrypted data hostage and threatens the impacted user with deletion of the encrypted data unless they pay the attack to provide them with the decryption key to release the data.

This type of malware has been drawing more attention recently through its usage to target large organizations and national institutions.

In the United Kingdom for example, a ransomeware known as 'WannaCry' was able to infect the systems of the National Health Service (NHS) and cause significant disruption within state-run hospitals and doctors surgeries.

Protecting yourself

Malware typically gains access to a system through human error and computer use that wouldn't be considered best practice. Malware might be packaged with software downloaded from the internet, such as pirated software or software from unreliable websites.

There are things you can do to ensure that you don't fall victim to the various types of malware.

1. Regularly check for operating system updates.
2. Regularly install patches and updates for any drivers or software you use.
3. Make sure you have genuine anti-virus software - e.g, Microsoft Security Essentials.
4. Don't click on links in emails from people you don't know or trust.
5. Don't open email attachments from people you don't know or trust.
6. Don't download pirated software from the internet.
7. Ignore any pop-up windows that ask you to install new software.

Updates

Read more about updates in our resource here: