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