One of the areas of most concern to users is everything related to privacy and security on their computers. One of the reasons for this is that we are increasingly working with more and more private and sensitive data. Below, we are going to show you some types of malware with which we should be more careful. It is well known that Windows is the most widely used desktop operating system. Consequently, it is logical that malicious code writers focus on it. This means that computers based on this software are the most frequent target of cybercriminals. In addition to being victims of different varieties of malware. These malicious elements have been with us for decades. What’s worse, they have not stopped evolving. Therefore, currently we can find plenty of different types. For this reason, we will now take a look at The 5 most dangerous types of malware.
Virus
We often mistakenly use this type of malware for a multitude of malicious codes in a general way. However, we must be clear that a virus is a specific type. What is real is that it is the oldest malicious software. To give you an idea of what we are talking about, the main purpose of this software element is to spread itself. It usually hides in a file and infects the system when it is opened. The key element here is that it then tries to spread to other files.
Worms
This format is very similar to a virus. In fact, it spreads in the same way, but with a difference. Worms directly attack and infect the system they come into contact with. In other words, it is not necessary to run the infected file to trigger the infection. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to interact with it.
Ransomware
Here we are dealing with one of the most widespread and dangerous types of malware at the moment. The main reason for this is that its main objective is to take complete control of the computer. The first thing is to infect and block the use of the computer, sometimes encrypting our data. Then the malicious code asks for a ransom to get the key so that we can decrypt all of it. That is to say, it blocks our files so that we cannot access them. It also asks for a ransom usually in Bitcoin or other alternative cryptocurrency.
Spyware
If we take a look at the name of this particular format, it is not difficult to imagine what its main purpose is. This is a malicious code that basically spies on us and collects data in the background. Later, the collected information is sent to the cybercriminal. It is then used for any malicious purpose. The idea is that we are never aware of its presence.
Trojans
Another type of malicious code to fear are Trojans. As their name suggests, they work by masquerading as a legitimate application or file. It is usually a fake program that we download thinking it is the real. The problem is that when you run it, it will infect your computer. Unlike a virus, it will not try to spread itself. It then goes on to perform all sorts of malicious actions depending on its design.
Adware
Unlike the previous ones, this malware does not intend to damage your computer, but to invade you with advertisements. It can appear while you are surfing the Internet, in the form of a popup. Furthermore, during the execution of a program or replacing the advertising of a web page. Some consider it a type of spyware because it can collect and send personal data.
Phishing
The victim receives an email that emulates a bank, an e-commerce or any other website. Once the link is clicked, we are redirected to a phishing website. It is also almost identical in appearance to the emulated company. Once on the fake site is intended to obtain log in data, personal data. Even bank account, credit card and so on. It is sometimes very difficult to differentiate between an authentic email from an entity or company and a phishing one. Therefore, we must be alerted and when in doubt call the entity to confirm that it is an authentic email.
Criptolocker
This malware is a ransomware that encrypts files on the infected computer so that the owner cannot access them without the key that removes the encryption. To get it, a ransom is demanded within a certain period of time. Obviously, the payment does not guarantee the decryption of the data.
