Threats and Vulnerabilities

Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to any software designed to damage computer systems, networks, or devices, steal users’ confidential information, use system resources, or gain unauthorized access. Malware is typically installed on devices without the users’ knowledge or by tricking them and can engage in various harmful activities. 

Malware types include:

• – Trojan: A Trojan horse, in the context of computer software, is a program that contains or installs malicious programs
• – Worms: Computer Worms are independent computer programs that replicate themselves, similar to viruses.
• – Spyware: Spyware is software that collects information about a company, organization, or an individual without their knowledge and then sends the collected information to one or more businesses, usually the operator of the spyware.
• – Rootkit and Bootkit: Refer to a set of malicious computer software that modifies or disables software tools in the system to hide other software.
• – Keylogger: Records keyboard keystrokes on the infected system. The action is known as keylogging or keyboard capturing.
• – Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious computer software that can (a) encrypt data on a computer, (b) lock access to a computer, or (c) threaten to publish stolen private data from the victim’s computer.
• – Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: Phishing and social engineering attacks are types of attacks where cybercriminals use manipulation and deception tactics to steal personal information from their targets.

Figure 2

(Source: https://www.infrascale.com/ransomware-protection-in-2019/)