Malware is any malicious software purposefully created to cause harm to a computer system, server, computer network, customer, or printer. A number of malicious software types now exist, such as adware, worms, Trojan horses, encryption programs, ransomware, spyware, and fake antivirus software. These types of malware have grown increasingly sophisticated over the years, as well. Since they are often developed by clever hackers with state-of-the-art tools, it can be very difficult to find, detect, and eliminate most malware.
One of the most common types of Malware today is mobile devices.
The term “Mobile Device” refers to any gadget that can access the Internet via wireless technology such as cell phones, PDAs, portable computers, smart phones, etc. Cell phones are some of the earliest victims of Malware attacks. Hackers can send fake security alerts to lure users into downloading harmful software on their cell phones. In turn, when these users attempt to remove the Malware from their phones, the software often installs even more Malware on their computers and other mobile devices. In fact, this cycle continues in many instances, as the user may think that their phone has been infected with Malware but in actuality it was just a scam designed to steal personal information.
Many companies and government agencies have Malware on their computer databases for the purposes of maintaining and protecting sensitive information within computer networks. By scanning all known data devices for Malware before execution, companies are better able to protect confidential data. This is especially true with sensitive government agency networks where Malware can have a devastating impact by slowing down servers and disrupting networks.
Hackers are also increasingly creating new malware that is based on previously unknown or commonly found computer viruses. In order to develop new malware, hackers look to computer viruses that have been around for a long period of time. One of the most common types of malware being developed today is Malware on Mobile Devices. In most cases, these Malware infections can be installed easily using an online exploit or hole. Once downloaded onto a computer system, these malware applications can create personal computer viruses and even shut down computer systems by sending fake signals to computer network devices. Common types of Malware that attack cellular phones include: Malware that utilizes SMS functions such as sending spam text messages;
Worms are another very common type of Malware that attacks many computer networking devices. These worms can attach themselves to email attachments, attached files, web page code, and even system files. Worms are very persistent because they continue to send constant messages to the infected computer until the worm has completely finished working its way through all of the infected processes on the computer system. Most worms require manual entry into computer processes in order to complete their job. The longer the worm is in the computer, the more damage it can cause.
There are other forms of Malware that create a more physical threat to computers.
Spyware is an example of this type of Malware. This form of Malware can be installed through malicious software downloads, email attachments, Trojans, and even infected websites. This form of Malware can also be installed manually. Once a person downloads a piece of malicious software for Malware purposes, he could unknowingly install a spyware program along with it. When spyware and other Malware are installed on a computer system, the user is not given the opportunity to remove these Malware programs unless the user develops or finds the need to do so on his own.
There are other Malware programs that utilize the internet to spread across a large number of computers. Such type of Malware programs are so dangerous that they can delete valuable data on a computer without the user’s permission. It is extremely important to make sure that you are running an updated anti-malware program on your computer to make sure that you are not infecting your computer with Malware such as Spyware and Trojan viruses. In order to protect your personal information from these hackers, you should also scan your computer for Malware at regular intervals.
In case that your computer has been infected by any form of Malware such as Trojan viruses, spyware and Malware, you should take immediate action and clean the infected area using your Anti-Malware program. Many people think that running an Anti-Malware software on their computer will simply eliminate Malware such as Trojan viruses.
- However, in most cases, the presence of Malware programs on a computer will leave behind traces of Malware on your PC.
- If you let Malware remain undetected on your PC for a long time, the traces of Malware could grow into a full-fledged Malware infestation.
- By removing Malware from your computer with an effective Anti-Malware program, you will not only protect yourself from becoming infected with Malware, but you will also ensure that your computer stays clean.