What is Malware?

• Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals (often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems.

Intent of Malware

• Malware is developed as harmful software that invades or corrupts a computer network. The goal of malware is to cause havoc and steal information or resources for monetary gain or sheer sabotage intent. 
• Intelligence and intrusion- Exfiltrates data such as emails, plans, and especially sensitive information like passwords.
• Disruption and extortion– Locks up networks and PCs, making them unusable. If it holds a computer hostage for financial gain, it’s called ransomware.
• Destruction or vandalism- Destroys computer systems to damage the  network infrastructure.
• Steal computer resources- Uses computing power to run botnets, crypto mining programs (cryptojacking), or send spam emails.
• Monetary gain– To Sell an organization’s intellectual property on the dark web.

Types of Malware

• • Virus
    • A virus is malicious software attached to a document or file and spread from host to host. 
    • Once downloaded, the virus will lie dormant until the file is opened and in use. 
    • Viruses are designed to disrupt a system’s ability to operate. 
    • As a result, viruses can cause significant operational issues and data loss.

• Worms

• • • A worm is a type of malicious software that rapidly replicates and spreads to any device within the network. 

• Unlike viruses, worms do not need host programs to disseminate. 

• • • A worm infects a device through a downloaded file or a network connection before it multiplies and disperses at an exponential rate. 
    • Like viruses, worms can severely disrupt the operations of a device and cause data loss.

• Trojan virus

• • • Trojan viruses are disguised as helpful software programs. But once the user downloads it, the Trojan virus can gain access to sensitive data and then modify, block, or delete the data. 
    • This can be extremely harmful to the performance of the device. 

• Unlike normal viruses and worms, Trojan viruses are not designed to self-replicate.

• Spyware

• • • Spyware is malicious software that runs secretly on a computer and reports back to a remote user. 
    • Rather than simply disrupting a device’s operations, spyware targets sensitive information and can grant remote access to predators. Spyware is often used to steal financial or personal information. A specific type of spyware is a keylogger, which records your keystrokes to reveal passwords and personal information.

• Adware

• • • Adware is malicious software used to collect data on a computer usage and provide appropriate advertisements to the user. 

• While adware is not always dangerous, in some cases adware can cause issues for your system. 

• • • Adware can redirect your browser to unsafe sites, and it can even contain Trojan horses and spyware. 
    • Additionally, significant levels of adware can slow down your system noticeably. 
    • Because not all adware is malicious, it is important to have protection that constantly and intelligently scans these programs.

• Ransomware

• • • Ransomware is malicious software that gains access to sensitive information within a system, encrypts that information so that the user cannot access it, and then demands a financial payout for the data to be released. 
    • Ransomware is commonly part of a phishing scam. 
    • By clicking a disguised link, the user downloads the ransomware. 
    • The attacker proceeds to encrypt specific information that can only be opened by a mathematical key they know. 
    • When the attacker receives payment, the data is unlocked.

• Keyloggers

• • • Also called system monitors, track nearly everything a user does on their computer. This includes emails, opened web pages, programs and keystrokes.

• Backdoors/ Remote Access Trojan (RAT)

• • A backdoor virus or remote access Trojan (RAT) secretly creates a backdoor into an infected computer system that enables threat actors to remotely access it without alerting the user or the system’s security programs

Why in News?

• Several Indian Opposition politicians and journalists received threat notifications from Apple which is anticipated to be a spyware attack.

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/govt-investigating-whether-china-linked-agencies-are-behind-apple-spyware-attack-9032714/#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Computer%20Emergency%20Response,In’s%20investigation%2C%20told%20this%20paper.