Malware Has Many Faces - Do You Know Them All?

Chances are that you've heard the term 'malware' at least one time in your life. But what many don't know is that this term is used to describe software of many types.

Under the umbrella term of 'malware' are types like adware, ransomware and spyware. While each of these is different, they all have the same goal: to interfere with normal computer usage.

Malware: Not a Virus

Where types of viruses are defined by how they spread - think worms and Trojans - malware is named for what it does. The presence of malware on a computer can be confirmed if any or all of the following are observed:

• Your browser's start page changes, despite the number of times you try and change it back
• You are receiving pop-up ads when your browser is not open or as soon as you open your browser
• More resources are being used on your computer than usual
• Icons for programs you don't remember installing appear on your desktop

Adware

Free games, screensavers and other no-cost software can contain a component which will display advertisements based on your internet activity. This type of malware is known as adware. And some types of adware can be pretty aggressive, collecting information like the email addresses you send messages to and even what kind of programs you have installed on your computer.

Adware is likely on millions of computers, as most of us when installing software no longer bother to read the EULA or end-user license agreement that is included with it. This is usually the part of the installation process that tells us what we are in for if we install the software.

To make the issue even more confusing, adware isn't even considered to be adware by many advertisers because the EULA must be agreed to prior to installing any software, which many of us do, however hastily.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware which kidnaps and encrypts the data of unsuspecting users, and then demands payment before that data can be decrypted and returned to the user. This type of malware can come from many sources, including web sites and email attachments.

There are generally two types of ransomware. Lockscreen ransomware restricts a user's access to their computer with a 'lockscreen' that fills the entire screen of a monitor, either with an image or a web page. Encryption ransomware prohibits access to files on a computer by encrypting them with a password that a user must pay for in order to regain access.

While the idea of ransomware is certainly frightening, the reality is that this type of malware is fairly uncommon. This is because in order for the perpetrator to receive any payment from a user who's system has been infected, they must maintain some level of visibility, which places them at great risk of discovery and prosecution.

Spyware

This type of malware is that which spies on your computer activity in various ways and obtains personal information like passwords. This type of tracking software operates in the 'background', meaning that the computer user doesn't know it's there.

In addition to being installed on a user's computer without their permission, spyware sends the information it collects to a specific location. Because much spyware contains keylogging capability, this could mean that your bank account and credit card numbers, and even your social security number could have been compromised.

Like adware, spyware can also collect information about your online habits. However, the information collected using spyware is most commonly used to benefit the hacker via financial and identity theft.

Solutions

Common sense is the best defense against any virus or malware infection. Keeping antivirus and programs up to date, along with regular scanning and not downloading suspicious programs are all smart steps to take.

Citations:

• Understanding threats by their behavior

Guest author Ron Smithton writes on a variety of topics, particularly related to technology.  He recommends www.highspeed-internet-providers.com as a resource which provides a helpful methodology for comparing them.

Image: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/776464