In most cases, computers get infected with virus and malware, when users open email attachments, run software programs downloaded from an untrusted source or plug an infected USB Device to the computer.
In many cases, the user won’t even be aware that the computer has been infected, until it starts to misbehave. However, by this time the damage has already been done and the virus would have taken control of the computer.
Difference Between Malware and Virus
Most computer users are familiar with the terms Virus and Malware, but do you know the difference between Virus and Malware?
In general, the term “malware” can be used to describe any type of code or software program designed with a malicious intent, regardless of its intended purpose and the way it works.
While computer viruses are also a type of malware, they are a specifically designed to reproduce or replicate themselves and spread to other computers on a shared network.
Most Common Types of Malware and Viruses
There are the most types of malware that can infect both Windows, macOS and other types of operating systems.
Worms
True to its name, this type of virus or malware is designed to eat or destroy files and information stored on a computer.
Similar to biological worms, computer worms are designed to infect the host (computer in this case) and become quickly capable of causing damage to files, folders and programs stored on a computer.
Trojans
If you are familiar with the Biblical Trojan Horse, you should be able to imagine computer Trojans as malware hiding in a harmless or legitimate looking software program.
Trojans are designed to steal your personal/banking information and passwords for your email and social media accounts by remaining hidden on the computer.
Spyware
As the name suggests, this type of malware is designed to spy or track online activities of computer users and use this information for whatever purpose the spyware was designed for.
Similar to Trojans, Spyware can be designed to collect any kind of information, including internet activities, personal and banking information.
Spyware designed to record keystrokes are known as Keyloggers and they are capable of stealing passwords, credit card and bank account numbers by monitoring the keys pressed by the users.
Adware
Adware programs are basically designed to monitor online activities of users, in order to serve them interest based Advertisements.
While Adware programs are not designed to harm computers, aggressive adware programs can be extremely annoying and have an adverse impact on both user-experience and overall performance of your device.
Scareware
Scareware is designed to pop-up on the screen of computers with a flashing image and alarming sound, accompanied by a declaration that your computer has been infected.
Apart from this, Scareware programs are also known to scare users by declaring the presence of child pornography and other unauthorized content on the computer.
The purpose of a Scareware program could be to frighten the victims to download unnecessary software, lead them to unsafe websites or trick/convince victims to provide credit card numbers, banking and personal information.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware designed to permanently block access to computers, with the intention of demanding ransom from the victims.
In general, simple types of Ransomware programs are designed to block access to victim’s computer without damaging files and data. This type of Ransomware is easy to deal with and can be bypassed by tech savvy users.
However, Advanced type of Ransomware programs can be difficult to deal with, as they are designed to encrypt the entire data on a computer.
Since, encryption keys are only available with the creator of Ransomware, it becomes almost impossible to gain access to the computer, without damaging the data and programs stored on it.
Rootkit
Rootkit is a malicious software or code designed to gain control of the operating system on a computer, without being detected by the users.
Protect Computer from Viruses and Malware
With the increasing use of computers for online purchases and banking, it is really important that we take measures to protect our computers from malware, viruses, ransomware and adware attacks.
In case of Windows computers, you can both trust the built-in Microsoft Defender to protect your computer from malware and also install third-party antivirus programs like Norton, Bitdefender and others on your computer.
Even if you go for a third-party antivirus program, you can still use Microsoft Defender to scan your device for malware and remove them from your computer.