Malware is a term used to describe any malicious software that is designed to cause harm to a computer system. These threats come in many forms, ranging from viruses and Trojans to spyware and adware. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of common types of malware threats that you should be aware of to protect your computer and sensitive information.

Types of Malware:

  • Virus: malware that spreads by replicating itself on a system and infecting other files and programs Threat of viruses is higher on non updated soft
  • Trojan: malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and installing it on their systems.
  • Ransomware: malware that encrypts a victim’ s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
  • Spyware: malware that tracks a user’s online activity and steals sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial information.
  • Adware: malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a user’s computer.
  • Rootkit: malware that hides its presence on a system and grants the attacker deep access and control over the infected device.
  • Backdoor malware that opens a secret entry point into a system, allowing an attacker to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access.
  • Worm: malware that spreads itself across networks without the need for user interaction.
  • Banking malware: malware specifically designed to steal financial information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
  • Fileless malware malware that operates entirely in memory, making it difficult to detect and remove.
  • Mac malware malware that targets Apple Mac OS X systems.
  • Mobile malware:  malware that targets smartphones and mobile devices.
  • PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) software that is often bundled with other software and can perform undesirable actions, such as displaying ads or collecting personal information.
  • Scareware malware that uses false or exaggerated security warnings to trick users into downloading and installing malware or purchasing a bogus security solution.
  • Zero-day exploits malware that takes advantage of previously unknown vulnerabilities in software or systems.
  • Cryptojacking malware malware that hijacks a device’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency.
  • Botnet malware  malware that creates a network of infected devices, or bots, that can be used to launch coordinated attacks.
  • Keystroke logging malware   malware that records every keystrok  made on an infected device, including passwords and other sensitive information.
  • Drive-by download   malware that infects a device simply by visiting an infected website.
  • Loader malware:  malware that downloads and installs other malware onto an infected device.
  • Banking Trojan:  Trojan specifically designed to steal financial information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
  • PUA/Adware toolbars: A type of potentially unwanted application that adds a toolbar to a user’s web browser and displays unwanted ads.
  • Rogue security software:  malware that masquerades as legitimate security software and tricks users into downloading and installing it.
  • Impersonation malware:  malware that poses as a legitimate entity, such as a bank or government agency, to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
  • Emotet malware  malware that spreads through email and is designed to download and install additional malware onto infected devices.
  • Banking malware malware that targets financial information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
  • Shifu malware  banking malware that targets financial institutions.
  • Dyre malware  banking malware that uses man-in-the-middle attacks to steal financial information.
  • Smoke Loader malware  malware that is used to download and install other malware.
  • Prolock ransomware ransomware that targets corporate networks.
  • Locky ransomware  ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key .
  • Jigsaw ransomware  ransom ware that threatens to delet e files if the ransom is not paid.
  • Cerber ransomware  ransomware that uses voice synthesis to read out the ransom demand.
  • Petya ransomware ransomware that encrypts the master boot record of a victim’s hard drive.
  • SamSam ransomwareransomware that targets organizations and demands a large ransom payment.
  • Snatch ransomware  ransomware that specifically targets gaming servers.
  • Filecoder malware malware that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
  • Android malware  malware that targets Android devices.
  • IOS malware:   malware that targets iOS devices.
  • Flashback malware:  malware that infects Mac OS X systems.
  • XcodeGhost malware:  malware that infected a number of iOS apps.
  • MacDefender malware:  malware that targeted Mac OS X systems.
  • Cloud malware: malware that targets cloud computing services.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) malware: malware that targets Internet of Things devices.
  • Stealth malware:  malware that is designed to hide itself from anti-malware software.
  • Remote Access Trojan (RAT):  type of Trojan that allows an attacker to take control of a victim’s device.
  • Data-stealing Trojan: type of Trojan that steals sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Password-stealing Trojan:  type of Trojan that steals login credentials.
  • Spam Trojan:  type of Trojan that is used to send spam emails.
  • Rootkit:  malware that gives an attacker administrative control over a victim’s device.
  • Bootkit:  malware that infects the master boot record of a victim’s hard drive.
  • Backdoor:  malware that allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to a victim’s device.
  • Dropper:  malware that is used to download and install other malware onto a victim’s device.
  • Polymorphic malware:  malware that changes its code to evade detection by anti-malware software.
  • Macro malware:  malware that is delivered via macro-enabled Office documents.
  • Ad fraud malware: malware that is used to commit ad fraud, such as by artificially inflating the number of views for an advertisement.
  • Spyware:   malware that is used to spy on a victim’s activity, such as by recording keystrokes and capturing screenshots.
  • Email-based malware:  malware that is delivered via email.
  • Web-based malware:  malware that is delivered via the web.
  • Exploit kit malware: malware that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in software or systems to infect victims.
  • Coinminer malware:  malware that uses a victim’s device to mine cryptocurrency.
  • Artificial intelligence-based malware:   malware that uses artificial intelligence to evade detection and carry out malicious actions.
  • Cryptomining malware:    malware that is used to mine cryptocurrency.
  • Cryptocurrency-stealing malware: malware that steals cryptocurrency from victims.
  • Fake software update:  malware that is disguised as a legitimate software update but is actually malicious software.
  • Wipers:  malware that destroys data on a victim’s device.
  • DDoS malware malware that is used to carry out DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.
  • Brute force malware:   malware that uses brute force attacks to crack passwords.
  • Drive-by download malware:   malware that is automatically downloaded and installed on a victim’s device when they visit a compromised website.
  • Memory-based malware:  type of malware that infects a victim’s device by exploiting vulnerabilities in memory.
  • Fileless malware:  malware that does not leave a file on the victim’s device, making it more difficult to detect.
  • Banking Trojan:   type of Trojan that targets financial information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
  • Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS):   malware that is offered as a service, allowing others to carry out ransomware attacks.
  • Banking bot malware:   type of malware that automates fraudulent banking transactions.
  • ATM malware: A type of malware that is used to carry out fraudulent transactions at ATMs.
  • BlueKeep malware:  malware that exploits a vulnerabilty in Microsoft Windows to carry out malicious actions.
  • EKANS malware:   type of malware that targets Windows systems and is capable of evading detection
  • Hupigon malware:  type of malware that is primarily used to steal login credentials and financial information.
  • Ryuk malware:   ransomware that is known for targeting high-value victims and demanding large ransom payments.
  • Cyber espionage malware:   type of malware that is used to steal sensitive information for the purposes of espionag
  • Keylogger malware:  malware that records every keystroke made on a victim’s device.
  • Vishing malware:  malware that uses voice phishing to steal sensitive information