What Are the Different Types of Malware and Ransomware You Should Know About? (Part II)

Understanding Malware

Malware, short for “malicious software”—is a broad term used to describe harmful programs or code designed to damage devices, steal sensitive data, or cause chaos within your system.

Understanding the various types of malware is crucial for effectively defending your organization.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of malware:

Common Malware Types

1. Virus Malicious code that attaches itself to executable files and spreads once executed.
2. Trojan Malware disguised as a legitimate program, like a game, which performs harmful actions once run.
3. Spyware A form of malware that secretly collects data about users and sends it to hackers.
4. Adware Software that aggressively serves unwanted ads, often compromising security to deliver them.
5. Worms Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, often causing widespread damage to data and files.
6. Botnets Networks of infected devices controlled by cyber attackers, used for malicious purposes.
7. Rootkits Malware that grants unauthorized users privileged access to systems, hiding its presence.
8. Malicious Crypto Mining Crypto mining and crypto-jacking that overburden computer processors, slowing performance and draining resources.
9. Keyloggers A type of spyware that records your keystrokes to steal sensitive information, like banking details and passwords.
10. Backdoors Methods that bypass normal security to allow both authorized and unauthorized access to systems or applications.
11. Exploits Malware that exploits <a href='/blog/cve-dpdp-compliance-complete-guide-vulnerabilities-2024-2025' style='color:#4b7b2c; text-decoration:underline'>vulnerabilities</a> in software to gain control over a system.
12. Ransomware A particularly dangerous form of malware that locks down your system or files, demanding payment in exchange for access.

How Does Malware Spread?

Malware can spread through several channels, such as email, websites, instant messaging, and even removable media. Identifying how malware made its way onto a system—known as the Initial Infection Vector (IIV)—is a critical step in preventing further damage.

Here are common infection vectors:

1. Dropped Malware delivered by another pre-existing malware or infected software.
2. Multiple When malware uses more than one vector to gain access.
3. Malspam Unsolicited emails tricking users into downloading malware or opening infected attachments.
4. Network Malware spread through network protocols or tools, like SMB or remote PowerShell.
5. Malvertisements Malware introduced via malicious ads, such as the Slayer trojan targeting macOS systems.