What do you mean by malware?

Malware is short for “malicious software.” It refers to any software that is intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer system, network, or device. This type of software is typically created by cybercriminals with the intention of gaining unauthorized access, stealing sensitive information, or causing disruption.

Malware comes in various forms, such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, adware, and spyware. Each type of malware has its own unique characteristics and capabilities.

Viruses are programs that replicate and spread by attaching themselves to other files or programs. They can cause damage by deleting or modifying files, or by spreading to other computers on a network.

Worms, on the other hand, are standalone programs that can self-replicate and spread across computer networks without the need to attach themselves to other files. They can consume network resources, slow down computer systems, and carry out destructive actions.

Trojans are malware that disguise themselves as legitimate software or files and trick users into downloading or executing them. Once installed, they can give cybercriminals unauthorized access to the infected system, allowing them to steal personal information or perform other malicious activities.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files or locks them out of their own system, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access.

Adware is a form of malware that displays unwanted advertisements or redirects a user’s browser to specific websites, often for financial gain for the attacker.

Spyware is a program designed to secretly gather information about a user’s activities without their consent. It can monitor keystrokes, capture sensitive information like passwords or credit card details, and send them to the attacker