Malicious programs, or malware, are an omnipresent threat in today's digital world. From computer viruses to ransomware and Trojans, there are different types of malware that can compromise the security of our devices and networks. ⁢It is important to be informed about these threats in order to ⁤be able to prevent their appearance and⁢ protect our personal and corporate information.​ In this article, we will explore ‌the different types of malware, their characteristics and ⁢how to protect yourself ⁣from them.

– Step by step -- The different types of malicious programs

• malware: This is a general term that refers to any type of malicious software designed to damage or infiltrate a computer system.
• Virus: A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a legitimate file or program and spreads when the file or program is executed.
• Worm: Unlike a virus, a worm can spread without the help of a host file or program, which makes it especially dangerous.
• Trojan: This type of malware appears to be legitimate software but in reality it allows hackers to access and control the infected system without the user's knowledge.
• Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts user files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
• Spyware: This malware is installed on a system to track user activity and collect personal information without user consent.
• Adware: Although not as dangerous as other types of malware, adware displays unwanted ads and interferes with the user's online experience.

FAQ

Questions about different types of malware

1. What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is:

1. A program designed to alter the normal functioning of a computer.
2. It spreads by infecting other programs and files.
3. It may cause damage to data and the operating system.

2. What are the most common types of computer viruses?

The most common types of computer viruses are:

1. Macro virus.
2. File virus.
3. Computer worms.
4. Trojans.

3. What is a computer worm?

A computer worm is:

1. A type of ‌malicious program that ⁢replicates and⁤ spreads automatically.
2. It does not need to infect files to spread.
3. It can cause damage to systems by consuming network and storage resources.

4. How to protect yourself from malicious programs?

To protect yourself from malicious programs it is important:

1. Keep software and operating system updated.
2. Do not download programs from unknown sources.
3. Use updated antivirus and antimalware software.

5.‌ What is⁤ a Trojan horse?

A Trojan horse is:

1. A malicious program that masquerades as legitimate software.
2. When executed, it performs unwanted actions on the system.
3. You can open rear doors to allow remote access to the system.

6. What damage can malicious programs cause?

Malware can cause damage such as:

1. Data loss.
2. System slowdown.
3. Theft of personal information.

7. What is ransomware?

The ransomware is:

1. A type of malware that encrypts the victim's files and demands a ransom to decrypt them.
2. It may cause permanent data loss if the ransom is not paid.
3. It is important to prevent this with regular backups.

8. What is phishing?

Phishing is:

1. A technique used to deceive people and obtain personal or financial information.
2. Fake emails and websites are common in phishing attacks.
3. It is important not to provide confidential information to untrustworthy sources.

9. What is adware?

The adware is:

1. A program that displays unwanted advertisements to users.
2. It can slow down the system and affect the browsing experience.
3. It is important to use antivirus software that includes protection against adware.

10. What are the symptoms of a malware infection?

Symptoms of a malware infection may include:

1. System slowdown.
2. Unwanted pop-up ads.
3. Loss of files or unauthorized changes to the system.

You may also be interested in this related content:

• How big is the size of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus?
• How does 1Password for Family work?
• How to verify the digital signature