Malware - Forensic's blog

Introduction

Malware is a term made up by combining the words “malicious” and “software” to denote any malicious computer programme on a computer or mobile device. These programmes are installed without the user’s permission and can have a variety of negative consequences, such as slowing down your computer, mining your system for personal information, identification, private files and sensitive data, erasing or encrypting data, or even taking control of your device or computer-controlled hardware.

Virus Vs. Malware

Although the phrases “virus” and “malware” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. A computer virus is one sort of malware, while not all malware is a virus.

A computer virus works as follows:

• A computer virus necessitates the use of a host programme.

• To spread from one system to another, a computer virus requires user action.

• A computer virus attaches bits of its own malicious code to other files or replaces them with copies of itself entirely.

Viruses cannot spread until a user takes some action, such as opening an infected Word document. Worms, on the other hand, may spread across systems and networks by themselves, making them far more common and deadly.

Signs of Malware

An infection with malware or computer virus

• There are slow-running processes, windows that take longer to load than usual, and odd apps running in the background.

• Internet homepages or pop-up adverts are changing more often than normal.

• In some cases, Windows may refuse to open at all;

• No internet access or higher-level system control functions, etc., may be a problem.

Types Of Malware

Some of the most frequent malware types in use today.

1.Computer Virus

Computer viruses are a type of malware named after the way they spread by “infecting” other files on a disc or computer.

Viruses spread to other disc drives and PCs when infected files are downloaded from websites, attached to emails, shared drives, or carried in files on external media like USB drives, Compact disc, etc.

2. Worms

Worms, unlike viruses, do not require human assistance to infect, self-replicate, or spread. So as soon as they gain access to a computer system, they infect the device and any network to which it is connected. Each new infection repeats the process. By exploiting network vulnerabilities — such as missed operating system (OS) and application updates and patches, weak email security or poor internet safety practises — worms can run and propagate at a fast rate.

In general, worms were basically just parasites that “eat up” system resources and poor system performance. But over time worms have also changed their appearance and style and now there are worms that steal or delete files when they are executed.

3. Spyware

Spyware does exactly what it says it will do: spy on you. It spies on what user’s do at his/her computer and collects information about all activities. For example, it records information on keystrokes and browsing behaviour.

The terms of service for adware might include “repurposing” acquired data for sale, but the terms of service for spyware are more ambiguous and shady.

Spyware is classified as malware since users are unaware of its presence and are unable to detect it. Spyware’s sole purpose is to harm the user. No consideration is given to how the data will be utilised when it is collected and sold by spyware to third parties, usually cyber criminals. Spyware can also alter user computer’s security settings or interfere with network connections, among other things.

4. Adware

In the world of the internet, adware is one of the most widespread nuisances. Adware applications distribute ads to host PCs automatically. A few instances of adware are pop-up ads on websites and advertising messages that are part of “free” software’s interface.

Even though some adware is generally harmless, some varieties use tracking techniques to gather information about the user’s location or history of browser use.

In most cases, adware collects information in order to offer more relevant advertising to its victims. This can lead to redirection of searches, the appearance of pop-ups that can’t be closed or connect to malware, the disablement of antivirus software, and even a full-fledged invasion into the realms of spyware.

5. Ransomware

Ransomware attacks your computer, encrypts your personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive material such as personal or professional documents, and then demands a ransom for the release of those documents. The data is destroyed if you refuse to pay. Others prevent you from accessing your computer. They may claim to be working for actual law enforcement authorities and indicate that you’ve been caught doing anything unlawful in order to get your attention.

6. Rootkits

Rootkits allow a third party to remotely access or control a computer. Some of these applications can be quite valuable for IT experts who are attempting a remote troubleshooting of network issues, but they can also be very dangerous when misused.

In order to remain undetected, rootkits conceal their presence and those of other malware they install. As soon as a rootkit is placed on user’s computer, it allows hackers to take complete control of user’s machine, allowing them to steal data or install other malware.

7. Bots

Bots are computer programmes meant to carry out specified tasks automatically. Despite the fact that they have numerous legitimate uses, they are also a common form of malware.

Upon installation, bots have the ability to execute particular commands on a computer without the user’s consent or knowledge. When hackers utilise botnets (a malware-infected network of computers under the control of a single attacking party which is known as bot-herder) to remotely manage infected systems, they are able to steal sensitive data and spy on users’ activities, send out spam automatically, or execute devastating DDoS (Distributed-Denial-of-Service) assaults on computer networks and websites.

8. Trojan Horses

Commonly referred to as “Trojans,” these viruses disguise as legitimate files or applications in order to remain undetected.

In addition to modifying the computer’s settings, Trojans also perform unauthorized actions without the victim’s knowledge or agreement.

9. Bugs

A bug is a fault in software code that can be misused by attackers with harmful intent, but it is not a sort of malware. Bugs can cause user’s computer to freeze, crash, or reduce its performance on their own, for example.

A computer or network’s defences are weakened by security flaws, which make them more enticing to potential attackers. Because of this, it is important to stay up-to-date on all software patches and system updates to help limit the number of defects.

Methods of Malware Spread

• Opening emails, messaging applications, or social media posts that contain links to fraudulent websites.

• Using infected external hard drives or network devices to connect to your device

• Attaching infected files to emails, downloading contaminated files from websites, or participating in file-sharing operations.

• Viruses can be disguised in HTML and downloaded when you visit a compromised website.

• Phishing scams and other social engineering assaults get victims to provide sensitive information or access to personal and business systems by impersonating respectable organisations and falsely reporting bogus crises to compel victims to respond swiftly and without hesitation.

• Security flaws, backdoors, and other exploits can be created by operating system and application vulnerabilities.

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