Types of Viruses/Malware

This is just a short section to describe some of the types of viruses to help you understand what they do. Anything you can do on your computer a virus can gain access to, do not underestimate them.

Virus

Viruses like their biological counterpart replicate and spread themselves (usually to other computers) but can also be used a general term for malicious software.

Rootkit

Rootkits are code which allow access to low level parts of your computer such as adminstrative access or the root/kernel when generally access is not allowed.

Ransomware

Is a relatively new type of malware which locks all the computers files with a secret password not allowing the owner of the device to gain access to it until they have paid money. ANOTHER REASON TO BACK UP YOUR VALUABLE FILES EXTERNALLY

Spyware

Spyware is simply something that is sending information back somewhere. It could be logging your keystrokes (like a keylogger) telling the hacker your passwords or bank details, or what websites you visit.

Adware

Infects the computer to display advertisements where there usually arent, or specific advertisements.

Scareware

Is software or scripts that scare the user into downloading/buying something alot worse than they originally had. As the general tips said, Don't panic if something like this happens. Seek advice from someone personally.

Keylogger

Similar to its name, a Keylogger logs your keystrokes knowing what you have typed, which can include emails, messages, credit card details, passwords and usernames.

Trojan Horse

Like it's historical counterpart this is a piece of software which has tricked a user into giving it access.

You may have also heard of the term Botnet or Zombie Computer, these terms refer to the fact that when a computer is infected a hacker can take large groups of infected computers and use them for a larger goal.