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Common Kinds of Malware
Computer Viruses
These are programs that damage multiple files on a computer. They spread to other computers when carried by users on a physical media, such as flash disks.
Worms
Worms don't require human help in order to spread and infect: they infect once and then use computer networks to spread to other machines. worms make many copies of themselves and consume system resources which makes the computer slow.
Spyware
It spies on what you're doing on your computer and collects data such as keystrokes, browsing habits and even login information or passwords, which is then sent to third parties. It may also modify specific security settings on your computer.
Adware
Adware is the most common online nuisances. The programs automatically deliver advertisements to host computers on the internet. They include pop-up ads on webpages with advertisements that often comes with "free" downloads.
Ransom-ware
Ransomware infects your computer, then hides your useful Information and then send you a message demanding a payment to decrypt your data. If you refuse to pay, the data is deleted permanently. Some ransomware hackers lock out all access to your computer. They might claim to be the work of legitimate law enforcement agencies and suggest that you've been caught doing something bad; that you pay a fine for wrong doing; or, just let you know that you’ve been hacked.
Rootkits
Rootkits allow remote access or control of a computer by another person.
These programs are useful for IT professionals trying to troubleshoot client’s computers at a distance, but they can easily become misused: Once installed on your computer, rootkits allow attackers to take complete control of your computer to steal data or install other pieces of malware. Rootkits are designed to go unnoticed and actively hide their presence.
Trojan Horses
These are commonly called "Trojans," these programs disguise as legitimate software. Once downloaded and installed, Trojans make changes to a computer and carry out malicious activities, without the knowledge of the victim.
Trojans are common on sites that give free software.
Bots
Bots are programs designed to automatically carry out specific operations. They're useful for many legitimate purposes, but have also been reused as a type of malware. Once on a computer, bots can cause the machine to execute specific commands without the user's approval or knowledge.
Hackers may also try to infect multiple computers with the same bot to create a robot network, which can then be used to remotely manage compromised computers to steal sensitive data, or to spy on the victim's activities.
