7 Types of Malware You Need to Know About

Malware, short for “malicious software,” is a type of software designed to harm or infiltrate a computer system without the user’s knowledge or consent. The prevalence of malware continues to increase in Malaysia, with cybercrime becoming a growing threat to businesses and individuals alike.

According to a recent report by Kaspersky, Malaysia ranked 3rd in Southeast Asia and 19th globally for the highest number of attempted malware attacks in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, there were over 70,000 malware attacks detected in Malaysia, with trojan malware being the most commonly used type of malware.

Now, let’s dive into the seven types of malware you need to know:

1. Viruses

These are the most well-known type of malware, and are designed to replicate and spread across a computer or network. They often attach themselves to other legitimate files and can cause damage or corrupt data.

2. Worms

Similar to viruses, worms are also designed to spread across a network, but they do not require the activation of a host file to do so. Once a worm has entered your system, it will run and propagate itself without any trigger or action from the user. Furthermore, they can cause damage by consuming bandwidth or resources, and can also serve as a means for hackers to gain access to a network.

3. Trojans

These are malicious programs that are disguised as legitimate software, and are often used to gain access to a computer or network. Furthermore, they can be used to steal sensitive information, or to install other types of malwares on a device.

4. Ransomware

This type of malware encrypts a user’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Furthermore, it can cause significant damage to businesses and individuals, as it can prevent access to important data and systems.

5. Adware

Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a user’s computer or mobile device. It can slow down the performance of the device and cause pop-ups and banners to appear on the screen.

6. Rootkits

These are a type of malware that are designed to hide the presence of other malware on a device, making them difficult to detect and remove. Furthermore, they can be used to gain access to sensitive information or to carry out other malicious activities.

7. Spyware

This is a type of malware that is designed to collect and transmit personal information about a user, such as browsing history, keystrokes, and login credentials. The information can be used for identity theft or targeted advertising.

It is important to be aware of these different types of malwares and take precautions to protect yourself from them. Keeping your software and devices up-to-date, using anti-virus and anti-malware software, and being cautious when downloading files or clicking on links can help to minimise the risk of infection.

As the world becomes more and more interconnected, our reliance on mobile devices grows exponentially. From work to entertainment, we use our phones and tablets to stay in touch with loved ones, conduct business, and access the vast resources of the internet. Unfortunately, as mobile device usage increases, so does the threat of malware and other security breaches. At SYNDES, we understand the importance of mobile device security. That’s why we offer SYNDES Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions that can help keep your devices safe from malware and other malicious attacks. With our state-of-the-art MDM tools, you can monitor and manage your devices from a central location, ensuring that your business stays secure and your employees stay productive.

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