What Is Malicious Software?

The words “Malicious Software” coin the word “Malware” and the meaning remains the same. Malicious Software refers to any malicious program that causes harm to a computer system or network. Malicious Malware Software attacks a computer or network in the form of viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, or rootkits.

Malicious Software mission is often targeted at accomplishing unlawful tasks such as robbing protected data, deleting confidential documents, or adding software without the user’s consent.

Different Types Of Malicious Software

1. Computer Malicious

A computer malicious is a malicious software type that self-replicates and attaches itself to other files/programs. Malware Software is capable of executing secretly when the host program/file is activated.The different types of Computer malicious are Memory-Resident viruses, Program File Viruses, Boot Sector Viruses, Stealth viruses, Macro viruses, and Email Viruses.

2. Worms

A worm is a malicious software type similar to that of a computer malicious is a self-replicating program, however, in the case of worms, malicious automatically executes itself. Worms spread over a network and are capable of launching a cumbersome and destructive attack within a short period.

3. Trojan Horses

Unlike a computer malicious or a worm – the trojan horse is a malicious software non-replicating program that appears legitimate. After gaining the trust, it secretly performs malicious and illicit activities when executed. Hackers make use of trojan horses to steal a user’s password information and destroy data or programs on the hard disk. It is hard to detect!

4. Spyware/Adware

Spyware is malicious software type secretly records information about a user and forwards it to third parties. The information gathered may cover files accessed on the computer, a user’s online activities, or even the user’s keystrokes.

Adware is a malware software type as the name interprets displays advertising banners while a program is running. Adware can also work like spyware, it is deployed to gather confidential information. Basically, to spy on and gather information from a victim’s computer.

5. Rootkit

A rootkit is a malicious software type that alters the regular functionality of an OS on a computer in a stealthy manner. The altering helps the hacker to take full control of the system and the hacker acts as the system administrator on the victim’s system. Almost all the rootkits are designed to hide their existence.

Malicious Software History

Even before the internet became widespread, malicious software (viruses) infected personal computers with the executable boot sectors of floppy disks.
Initially, the computer malicious was written for the Apple II and Macintosh devices. After the IBM PC and MS-DOS systems became more widespread they were also targeted similarly.

The first worms originated on multitasking Unix systems, they were the first network-borne infectious programs too. SunOS and VAX BSD systems were infected by the first well-known worm of the time called the Internet Worm of 1988. Ever since the advent of the Microsoft Windows platform in the 1990s, infectious codes were written in the macro language of Microsoft Word and similar programs.

Methods Of Protection Against Malicious Software

Malicious Software is a security threat for corporate users and individuals, thereby detecting and fighting malware remains on top of the agenda for many firms. Since the time BYOD culture started to flourish, Endpoint Security and Endpoint Protection have become the topics of discussion in many IT conference rooms. Many corporates today try to implement the best Endpoint Security or Endpoint Protection software to steer clear of dangers.

Best Protection Against Malicious Software

Remember, if it is an individual system, it is essential to have an antivirus installed, and if you already have one in place see to it that it is updated at regular intervals. This approach will help you to remain safe during new breakouts. Xcitium’s Free Antivirus, Endpoint Security, and Endpoint Protection Solutions are your best option for detecting malicious and fighting malicious software. For more details visit our official page!

See Also:

EDR
What is Endpoint Protection?
What is Trojan Horse?
EDR vs MDR