Threatware Meaning: Here Is The Insight Details

Threatware Meaning: What is Threatware?

The term threatware is commonly used to refer to computer programs that are designed to harm your computer. These types of programs include spyware, worms, threatware, and Trojan viruses.

As you may know, threatware poses a serious threat to businesses and individuals. Over the years, millions of computer users have been victims of several threatware attacks ranging from attacks that damage data and the prevalent ransomware.

Unlike other malware attacks or threatware, Ransomware intent is to hold victims to a ransom. You risk losing your data if the ransom isn’t paid as demanded.

How Does Threatware Meaning Enter Computers?

Downloading infected software or opening an infected attachment introduces malware to one’s computer. Cybercriminals develop threatware with different motives but all hinged on targeting your files. The attackers spread these different types of threatware through third-party files.

You probably know or have heard about phishing. This is the method used by cybercriminals to spread different types of threatware codes. They will send deceitful emails pretending to be someone you know or any of your service providers. The intent is to have you open the attachment with malicious code, which will transfer the threatware to your computer.

You can also get threatware on your computer from unsafe websites. Downloading or opening links on fishy websites can get your system infected.

Files transferred via flash drives, Bluetooth and other similar methods can get your system infected as well. This happens when you receive an infected file from another computer drive to your computer.

Different Types Of Threatware Meaning

Malware or threatware (as some people want to call it) are of several types. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of threatware that affect computer users:

Worms

Before viruses and Trojans became the main threats to computer users, worms were the widely known threatware. Its attack is through phishing and is quite contagious. A single computer infected by worms can spread threatware to other computers within a network. Though worms are no longer active today, they are being replaced by Trojans, and their mode of attack is replicated in many other threatware attacks like ransomware.

Trojans

Trojans are a perfect replacement of worms. Like worms, Trojans spread through phishing. Emails are sent to unsuspecting people with malicious codes embedded on the attachments This sends the Trojans into your system once you open the attachment. Trojans host not only rely on this method of spreading the threatware, but fishy websites are also used to launch attacks. One popular form of Trojan attack is the fake antivirus. It pops up on these fishy websites asking you to download the antivirus to protect your computer or remove threatware. This is only a con way to attack your computer.

Fileless Malware

Fileless malware is regarded as a different types malware, but in essence, It depicts the advanced method of spreading threatware. Most malware depends on a host to get to your system—like downloading infected software or opening attachments that are infected. But fileless malware doesn’t depend on any host to settle on your computer. The malware spreads through non-file applications such as registry keys, APIs, scheduled tasks, and other forms of OS objects. With its method of operation, fileless malware appears to be difficult to detect by antiviruses and firewalls.

Ransomware

This threatware is also spread through phishing—emails, fishy websites, etc. Unlike other different types of threatware, this one encrypts its victims’ data and requests for a ransom before the files are freed. In recent years, ransomware has attracted a lot of attention following its terrible attacks. Victims are denied access to their computers and business activities crippled throughout the attack. Not to mention the huge sums they lose to the cybercriminals.

Other types of malware or threatware include spyware, adware, malvertising, etc.

Can Threatware Meaning Attack Be Prevented Meaningful?

Threatware attacks are the reason for cyber-security. Preventing attacks involves sticking to cybersecurity rules. This includes:

• Keeping your applications updated
• Log out of public computers when done with your activities
• Set strong passwords and avoid using your name, date of birth and other simple phrases that can be easily guessed
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi
• Get active antivirus
• Do not share your login details with third parties and change your login details from time to time
• Use an advanced security system

Advanced Endpoint Protection Threatware Meaning

Threatware has been around for ages and is usually curtailed through traditional security systems. However, recent developments have seen cybercriminals developing malicious codes that sidestep antiviruses and firewalls. If you still depend mainly on antiviruses, you may be taking a serious risk as some advanced threatware can beat antiviruses no matter how active. You need advanced security systems like Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP) to fight advanced threats.

Not sure what AEP is and how it works? Click here to learn more.

See Also:

EDR vs MDR

EDR

Managed Detection and Response Solutions

what is threatware