What Are the Different Types of Malware and Ransomware You Should Know About? (Part II)
In this blog, readers will learn about different types of malware and ransomeware.
The SecuRetain team recently completed a 6-part series on using GDPR to prepare for CCPA compliance. Now, we're diving into a 4-part series focused on helping organizations defend against Malware and Ransomware.
- Part I – How do I get malware?
- Part II – Different types of malware
- Part III – How can I tell if I have a malware infection?
- Part IV – How to protect against 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:
- Virus
- Trojan
- Spyware
- Adware
- Worms
- Botnets
- Rootkits
- Malicious Crypto Mining
- Keyloggers
- Backdoors
- Exploits
- Ransomware
Malicious code that attaches itself to executable files and spreads once executed.
Malware disguised as a legitimate program, like a game, which performs harmful actions once run.
A form of malware that secretly collects data about users and sends it to hackers.
Software that aggressively serves unwanted ads, often compromising security to deliver them.
Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, often causing widespread damage to data and files.
Networks of infected devices controlled by cyber attackers, used for malicious purposes.
Malware that grants unauthorized users privileged access to systems, hiding its presence.
Crypto mining and crypto-jacking that overburden computer processors, slowing performance and draining resources.
A type of spyware that records your keystrokes to steal sensitive information, like banking details and passwords.
Methods that bypass normal security to allow both authorized and unauthorized access to systems or applications.
Malware that exploits vulnerabilities in software to gain control over a system.
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:
- Dropped
- Multiple
- Malspam
- Network
- Malvertisements
Malware delivered by another pre-existing malware or infected software.
When malware uses more than one vector to gain access.
Unsolicited emails tricking users into downloading malware or opening infected attachments.
Malware spread through network protocols or tools, like SMB or remote PowerShell.
Malware introduced via malicious ads, such as the Slayer trojan targeting macOS systems.
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