Malware
Malware
Malware (/ˈmælweər/; a portmanteau for malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.
Etymology
The term "malware" is a contraction of "malicious software". The word is derived from the English words "malicious" and "software". The first known use of the term malware was in 1990.
Definition
Malware is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software, including computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, and other malicious programs. It can take the form of executable code, scripts, active content, and other software.
Types of Malware
- Computer virus: A type of malware that propagates by inserting a copy of itself into and becoming part of another program. It spreads from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels.
- Worm: A standalone malware computer program that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers.
- Trojan horse (computing): A type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software.
- Ransomware: A type of malware from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the victim's data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
- Spyware: A type of malware that aims to gather information about a person or organization, without their knowledge, and send such information to another entity without the consumer's consent.
- Adware: A type of malware that automatically delivers advertisements.
- Scareware: A type of malware which uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety, or the perception of a threat in order to manipulate users into buying unwanted software.
Related Terms
- Antivirus software: Computer software used to prevent, detect, and remove malware.
- Firewall (computing): A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Computer security: Security measures taken to protect a computer against theft or damage to its software or hardware, or from disruption of or misdirection of services.
- Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
- Phishing: The fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Malware
- Wikipedia's article - Malware
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