Malicious Software popularly known as MALWARE is the collective name for any program or software that intentionally puts a computer, a server, a network or group data at risk.
Malware is a set of code written or developed by cyber attackers with the aim of intentionally harming certain data set or gaining unauthorized access into a network, server or computer. Malware is usually delivered through a link or a file, that requires the victim to click or open it in or for the code to gain access and execute the malware.
How does Malware work?
The harm a malware can pose depends on the type of malware it is and the goal of the malware. The effect of malware at times can be relatively small, mild while at times it can be so disastrous. Malware infects, steals, encrypts, deletes sensitive data, alters or disrupts computer, network or server functions and monitors end users’ activity. The malicious software attacks servers, networks and devices and are designed to harm their data and/or their users in some way.
Types of Malware
As earlier stated, malware is a collective name. There are different types of malware.
- Adware: This type of malicious software tracks the browser and download history of a user with the intent to display advertisements that would lure the user into making a purchase.
- Spyware: Spyware is designed to spy on what a user is doing. This type of malware will collect information without the user knowing, such as credit card information, passwords and other sensitive information while hiding in the background of the computer.
- Worms: Worms derived their name from their ability to wiggle through connected networks, servers and devices while corrupting as it wiggle through in a fast manner and pattern.
- Trojan horse: Just like the typical trojan greek story. This malware disguised itself as authentic software while working discreetly to open loopholes for other malicious software variants to creep in.
- Keyloggers: commonly called the system monitors, track nearly everything a user does on their computer. It includes emails, opened webpages, programs and keystrokes accessed by the endpoint user.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious software designed in such a way that it can block off vital information until a certain sum of money is paid.
Major Losses Caused by Malware
The effect of malware on both businesses and individuals over the years cannot be overemphasized. The events listed below depict real examples of how malwares are deployed and the consequent impact.
- Slammer Worm: According to Kaspersky, in January 2003 the Slammer worm caused a geographically-rotating Internet blackout across the USA, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. As a result of the uncontrolled prevalence of the worm, network traffic increased by 25%, leading to serious problems with banking operations for the Bank of America. Lovesan (Blaster, MSBlast), Mydoom, Sasser and other network worm epidemics also caused terrific damage to airlines that had to cancel the flights, and to banks that had to temporarily cease their operations.
- Emotet: Emotet is a trojan that developed a reputation in 2018 after being named one of the most hazardous and destructive malware by the US Department of Homeland Security. Emotet is extensively utilized in cases of financial information theft, such as bank logins and cryptocurrencies, which is why it has gotten so much attention. Malicious emails in the form of spam and phishing campaigns are the major vectors for Emotet’s proliferation. The instance of the Chilean bank Consorcio, which suffered damages of USD 2 million, and the case of the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, which suffered losses of USD 1 million, are two notable cases.
- Wannacry: WannaCry, one of the worst ransomware attacks in history, was spread using phishing emails in 2017. The threat takes advantage of a flaw in the Windows operating system. WannaCry is thought to have infected over 200,000 people globally, including hospitals, colleges, and huge corporations such as FedEx, Telefonica, Nissan, and Renault. WannaCry has cost over USD 4 billion in damages.
- CovidLock: Cybercriminals have taken advantage of people’s fear of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The ransomware CovidLock is an example. This sort of ransomware attacks victims by infecting them with malicious files that claim to provide further information on the ailment. The issue is that once CovidLock is installed, it encrypts data on Android devices and prevents victims from accessing it. You must pay a ransom of USD 100 per device to gain access.
- LockerGoga: LockerGoga is a ransomware that made headlines in 2019 after infecting major businesses throughout the world, including Altran Technologies and Hydro. It is estimated that advanced and targeted attacks cost millions of dollars. Malicious emails, phishing scams, and credential theft are all part of LockerGoga infections. Because it fully disables victims’ access to the system, LockerGoga is considered a particularly hazardous threat.
Anti-Malware
Many security software products have been designed to detect and prevent malware, as well as remove it from infected systems. One common example of an antimalware tool is Malwarebytes. It is a tool that handles the detection and removal of malware. It removes malware from Windows, macOS, Android and iOS platforms. It scans the files, running programs, hard drives and individual files used by the user. If any malware is detected, such malware is then isolated and deleted. Other Anti-malware tools include:
1) IntegoMalware removal plus antivirus protection built exclusively for Macs
2)Norton LifeLockFights malware attacks with threat intelligence & real-time monitoring
3) McAfeeTotal protection against malware threats on all devices
AntiMalware Programs
There are different types of antimalware programs, but they are generally classified into three. The three broad categories are:
- Free Programs: These are anti-malware solutions that are “free” as the name suggests, they come at no cost to the user. Caution should be exercised when downloading softwares in this category, as actors with malicious intent might include malware in these programs which will eventually be of devastating impact on the end user.
- Specialized Programs: These are programs that are exclusively designed to protect against a specific action or Malware type. If the program claims to protect you from Trojan horses or viruses, that means you’re still vulnerable to other kinds of malware. When it comes to malicious attacks, specialist options don’t always work. As a result, you’ll need many apps to provide total security.
- All-in-One Programs: The most effective anti-malware tools are those that provide all types of security along with up-to-date operating systems for your computer. This includes actions on the Internet, email, chat, and your computer. It also includes scanning all parts of your computer, as well as assisting you in removing any undesirable files from your system. These apps also provide updates and adjustments as Malware becomes more powerful, ensuring that you remain protected over time. These apps are the most effective at defending against malware and preventing attacks.
Leave a Reply