What is Malware?

The term “malware” is an amalgamation of the words “malicious” and “software”. When it comes down to it, the term “malware” actually gets its definition from the intent of the creator and not from the function of the software itself. This is because a piece of software cannot be termed “malicious” unless it is used for malicious purposes.

Here are some types of malware that you should be aware of:

1) Infectious – These are the most commonly known types of malware. This type is composed mainly of computer viruses and worms. Viruses differ from worms in their operation and distribution.

A virus used to be spread via the use of floppy disks. It would copy itself into an executable file and would be run whenever a certain program is activated or a certain disk is opened.

The concept of a computer worm was introduced when the internet was first being introduced to the general public. This type of malware would scan different networks for any vulnerable systems and then copy itself to those systems. From its new base, the worm would then begin a new process of scanning and copying.

Although these two terms used to have very distinct meanings and uses, they are now actually used interchangeably to indicate any type of self-propogating infectious malware.

2) Concealers – Generally, this type of malware is used to hide any type of activity within a user’s system. There are various types of concealers, such as:

a) Trojan Horses – These serve the same purpose as its mythical counterpart in allowing infliltration of your PC through the use of a program that appears to be beign. Today’s Trojan horse may have different appearances. Some Trojan horses take the form of utility programs. When the unwitting user downloads the program, it then opens a door for other types of software and malware to be introduced into their system.

Trojan horses are often used by creators of viruses in order to cause a massive computer virus outbreak. By introducing a virus into one network via a Trojan horse, the creator ensures the spread of that virus to other networks.

b) Backdoors – This type of malware creates an alternative pathway or route inside your system. This helps hackers avoid any sort of security systems that may be in place on the PC. Once inside a system, the hackers will then be able to do anything they want.

One of the best programs out there for finding, removing, and preventing malware infections is NoAdware. You can get a copy of NoAdware to protect your PC here.