Brad Christian

Brad Christian

Senior Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Published
Last Updated

Understanding the Types of Malware

Malware, short for "malicious software", generally defines various types of intrusive software that is designed to cause harm to networks, computers, and users. Malware can take many forms and perform multiple functions, but the end goal is always to cause harm in some way.

The impacts of malware can be significant. They can include:

  • Data loss or theft
  • Reputational damage
  • Operational disruption
  • Financial losses

Preventing malware is the best defense, but that is not always possible. Adversaries are getting smarter and more devious, leading them to create more convincing phishing scams, more resilient malware, and evolving their tactics to more effectively carry out their schemes.

Common Types of Malware

Malware comes in many types. Some common examples include:

  • Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts files and other data while demanding a payment, or ransom, in order to decrypt.
  • Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software, Trojans attempt to trick users into downloading them so they can infect the target device.
  • Worms: Often powerful malware that can self-replicate and self-spread. Worms can infect networks without any user interaction.
  • Viruses: Come attached to files or programs, spreading and replicating when the infected file is executed.
  • Spyware: Monitors and collects user data without consent. This malware can monitor user activity and gather sensitive information.
  • Adware: Displays unwanted pop-ups and advertisements, often pointing to malicious websites.
  • Botnets: A network of infected devices that attackers control remotely. Botnets are often used for large-scale attacks such as DDoS attacks.
  • Keyloggers: Record keystrokes from users, granting adversaries access to sensitive information such as passwords.

Each type of malware has a different intent and executes differently, but all can have dire consequences if they infect devices or networks.

How Malware Affects Devices and Systems

Malware can take multiple paths to infect your devices or network. These avenues can include:

  • Phishing emails: Malicious links or attachments can be included in emails intended to trick the user into downloading a file or clicking a link, leading to infection.
  • Removable drives: USB or external hard drives can contain malicious files or malware, infecting a device when it is plugged in.
  • Infected websites: Malicious or compromised websites can automatically download malware onto a device if they load the site.
  • Software bundles: Malware can be packaged with otherwise legitimate looking software. This often occurs when software is downloaded from third-party sources.

There are some telltale signs that malware has infected your computer. First, it can run slower than usual due to the malware consuming resources on the device, leading it to perform slowly and feel sluggish. The slowdowns could escalate to system crashes or freezes. Malware can also disable security tools such as antivirus software and firewalls to avoid detection.

On a network, suspicious activity, such as remote server communication, can cause odd traffic patterns, indicating malware is present. It is important to monitor both endpoints and networks to have a holistic view and detect malware as quickly as possible.

Preventing and Defending Against Malware Threats

The best defense against malware threats is prevention. There are several steps organizations and individuals can take to prevent malware from infecting devices. Some examples are:

  • Using security software, such as antivirus or anti-malware.
  • Being cautious and alert with emails and downloads to prevent successful phishing attacks.
  • Using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Backing up data regularly.
  • Keeping software updated to apply the latest security patches.
  • Staying informed and educating others.

If you do fall victim to a malware attack, the defensive measures depend on the type of malware the network or device becomes infected with. For example, ransomware attacks demand a payment to release files, but it is suggested that you never pay the ransom as it does not guarantee the release of files and can encourage future attacks against your organization. Instead, following a detailed incident response plan that maps out how to properly remove the ransomware and recover files is key.

How NETSCOUT Helps

NETSCOUT's Omnis Cyber Intelligence with Adaptive Threat Analytics can detect traffic abnormalities on the network, leading to faster identification of malware. Omnis Cyber Intelligence also helps security teams hunt threats, locating where they reside on the network more quickly to expedite removal of threats and malware.