What is Malware?
Malware or Virus is another term for a malicious programme. It performs unwanted actions on the computer which include
- Intentional programme crashes
- Unwanted pop-ups
- Stealing user confidential data
- Destruction of data or hardware
Based on their characteristics, we can classify them into categories such as
- Worm
- Trojan
- Keylogger
What is a Worm?
A worm is a malicious programme that propagates (spreads) by copying itself onto other systems through network connections and/or hardware devices.
What is a Trojan?
A Trojan is a malicious programme that allows remote access to an infected system.
If your system is infected, the cyber criminal responsible can get complete control over your machine from anywhere in the world.
What is a Keylogger?
A keylogger is a malicious programme, which when installed, records the keystrokes made on the keyboard and usually send them via email or via a direct connection to a server specially configured to receive this data.
What are the threats?
Malware infecting the system leads to the following:
- Deletion/destruction of files (including system files)
- Remote access to the infected system
- Stealing of stored credentials and cryptographic keys or digital signatures
- Log keystrokes like usernames and passwords and send to unknown locations via the internet
What are the risks?
Financial loss is incurred due to
- Deletion or destruction of data file
- Loss of processing time
Remote access to the infected system allows cybercriminals to misuse the victim’s machine to conduct criminal activities.
Loss of personal sensitive information to fraudsters leads to
- Litigation
- Financial loss
- Reputation loss
- Misuse of information