What is Malware? 08-20-2014, 12:03 AM
#1
I'm not really sure if this counts as a tutorial, so I decided to post it here. It is educating others afterall.
What is Malware?
Malware is a combination of the two words malicious and software. It is a program or software that is specially designed to damage, or in most cases, infiltrate a computer system without the administrator's knowledge. The term is used by security/computer professionals in replacement of the terms hostile, intrusive, or annoying software. The term computer virus is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware.
Types of Malware
1. Viruses
2. Worms
3. Trojans
4. Rootkits
5. Spyware
1. Viruses
The term virus is used for a program written by someone which has infected some executable software, when run, to spread the virus to other executable software. They may also contain machine code or payloads to perform other (often malicious) actions. The purpose of a virus is 99% of the time, to destroy data or corrupt it.
2. Worms
A worm is also a sort-of virus, but unlike a virus, it automatically transmits itself over a network to infect other computers. It also (like a virus) usually contains a payload. Worms are more powerful and harmful due to the fact that they automatically infect system software.
3. Trojans
A Trojan's purpose is to control a remote machine without the system administrator's knowledge. Trojans have 2 parts - 1. Server 2. Client. Servers handle all infected remote computers' connections and the client is used to infect the victim's computer system. Every Trojan has its associated port number for communication over the internet or LAN (Local Area Network) Another term for a Trojan is a RAT. (Remote Administration Tool)
4. Rootkits
Rootkit (like a Trojan) is also used for remote access of systems. A rootkit is very powerful compared to a Trojan because a rootkit implements itself on kernel level of any operating system and is invisible in task manager as it hides itself, making it hard to detect and even harder to get rid of.
5. Spyware
Spyware (like malware) is a combination of two words, spy and software. Spyware is software that is installed on a PC (Personal Computer) to slowly collect information about the user, their computer, or their browsing habits without the user's knowledge. While the term spyware suggests software that monitors a user's behavior, the functions of spyware go beyond monitoring. These programs can collect a variation of personal information, such as browsing habits (mentioned earlier), but can also interfere with the user's control of their computer in other ways, such as installing other software and redirecting web browsing activity.
I hope this was a good read and helped you. All credit goes to me.
What is Malware?
Malware is a combination of the two words malicious and software. It is a program or software that is specially designed to damage, or in most cases, infiltrate a computer system without the administrator's knowledge. The term is used by security/computer professionals in replacement of the terms hostile, intrusive, or annoying software. The term computer virus is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware.
Types of Malware
1. Viruses
2. Worms
3. Trojans
4. Rootkits
5. Spyware
1. Viruses
The term virus is used for a program written by someone which has infected some executable software, when run, to spread the virus to other executable software. They may also contain machine code or payloads to perform other (often malicious) actions. The purpose of a virus is 99% of the time, to destroy data or corrupt it.
2. Worms
A worm is also a sort-of virus, but unlike a virus, it automatically transmits itself over a network to infect other computers. It also (like a virus) usually contains a payload. Worms are more powerful and harmful due to the fact that they automatically infect system software.
3. Trojans
A Trojan's purpose is to control a remote machine without the system administrator's knowledge. Trojans have 2 parts - 1. Server 2. Client. Servers handle all infected remote computers' connections and the client is used to infect the victim's computer system. Every Trojan has its associated port number for communication over the internet or LAN (Local Area Network) Another term for a Trojan is a RAT. (Remote Administration Tool)
4. Rootkits
Rootkit (like a Trojan) is also used for remote access of systems. A rootkit is very powerful compared to a Trojan because a rootkit implements itself on kernel level of any operating system and is invisible in task manager as it hides itself, making it hard to detect and even harder to get rid of.
5. Spyware
Spyware (like malware) is a combination of two words, spy and software. Spyware is software that is installed on a PC (Personal Computer) to slowly collect information about the user, their computer, or their browsing habits without the user's knowledge. While the term spyware suggests software that monitors a user's behavior, the functions of spyware go beyond monitoring. These programs can collect a variation of personal information, such as browsing habits (mentioned earlier), but can also interfere with the user's control of their computer in other ways, such as installing other software and redirecting web browsing activity.
I hope this was a good read and helped you. All credit goes to me.
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