Malware defines any program or code that’s designed to do something on a system or network that you don’t want to have happen.

Crypto-malware/Ransomware #

Crypto-malware uses some for of encryption to lock a user out of a system or encrypt their files or data. Then the user or organization is required to pay a ransom to get their data back or restore access to their systems.

• Most often propagates using a Trojan Horse type of exploit.

Virus #

A virus is a program that has two jobs:

• Replicate
• Activate

Replicate means it makes copies of itself. Activate means it does something malicious on a computer like erase files for example.

• Needs human action to spread.

Worm #

A worm funtions similarly to a virus but replicates exclusively through networks.

Macro #

A macro is any type of virus that exploits application macros to replicate and activate.

Logic Bomb #

A logic bomb is code written to execute when certain conditions are met, usually with malicious intent.

For example a database entry that starts deleting files when the database author loses their job.

Trojan Horse #

A Trojan horse is a piece of malware that looks or pretends to do one thing while at the same time doing something malicious. Typically inserted into some type of software users download from the internet like a game or screensavor. Can sometimes open ports and allow the host to be made into a server and be controlled remotely.

Rootkit #

Rootkits take advantage of low-level operating system functions to hide itself from all but the most aggressive anti-malware tools.

Can strike OS’s, hypervisors, and firmware.

Adware/Spyware #

• Adware monitors your usage to target advertisements to you.
• Spyware is any program that sends information about your system or actions over the internet.