Malware attacks are on the rise and growing in sophistication and complexity every year.
Malware is dangerous when it infects a personal computer, but when any of the many different types of malware affects a business computer or network, the results can be downright catastrophic.
Cybercrimes, of which malware is a significant component, collectively cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars in damages annually.
It’s not just monetary damages either. Malware can result in significant downtime, increased security costs, and even reputational damage to an organization.
No matter what industry you operate in, malware poses a significant threat. Staying on top of the most common types of malware in cybersecurity is a critical first step in preventing a devastating malware infection.
To help raise awareness and keep you protected, ITque, a leading provider of enterprise-class managed cybersecurity services, will walk you through the 10 key malware types that every business should be aware of.
What is Malware?
Most of us have likely encountered malware at some point in our digital lives, but what exactly is it?
Malware is the term used to describe any type of computer software or code that is designed to damage, exploit, spy, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
The word itself is a portmanteau combining the words “malicious” and “software”. It uses software vulnerabilities to extract information, manipulate data, or gain control over a user’s computer or network.
Malware comes in many different forms, and below, we’ll discuss the 10 most commonly seen types of malware plaguing businesses worldwide.
10 Different Types of Malware to Be Aware Of
Below are the most common types of malware in cybersecurity:
1. Viruses
The most well-known type of malware is computer viruses. These are packets of code that attach themselves to legitimate files or programs on a platform and begin to spread once those files are opened. Computer viruses can corrupt files and applications, crashing internal systems and even locking users out of their computers. They are often launched through executable files that mimic something the user would normally click on, beginning the spread of the virus.
2. Worms
Worms are similar to viruses, though they are self-replicating and do not require user or host file interaction to spread through a computer system. Thus, they can quickly infect an entire network, consuming bandwidth and resources and grinding systems to a screeching halt.
3. Trojans
Rounding out the top three malware types, trojans gain access to a system by disguising themselves as legitimate software, tricking users into installing them. Once installed, they are capable of building backdoors that bypass security features allowing attackers to steal credentials and financial data. They’re often used to stage future larger attacks.
4. Adware
One of the most common types of malware, adware exposes users to potentially damaging, unwanted pop-up advertisements that can track your browsing behavior, slow systems down, and potentially install viruses that compromise your security.
5. Spyware
Spyware is a form of malware that can silently sit on a computer or device and log keystrokes, user behavior, or other sensitive data without the user being aware. Spyware infections can lead to theft of login credentials, payment details, and even intellectual property. Left unchecked, long-term data exposure is a serious risk of spyware infections.
6. Ransomware
Ransomware gains unauthorized access to a computer or network and encrypts essential file systems, locking out the owners until a ransom is paid. Ransoms can range from the hundreds of thousands to well over a million dollars. With few options once ransomware has been activated, many companies end up paying to have their systems restored.
7. Rootkits
A less common type of malware in cybersecurity, but nevertheless dangerous, rootkits hide malware deep within an operating system, allowing attackers to gain administrative privileges. Rootkits are often extremely difficult to detect, and can allow attackers to install other malware types. Because rootkits become so deeply entrenched in a system, it often requires a full system rebuild to eliminate the threat.
8. Botnets
Botnets are one of the most powerful types of malware. They are capable of creating an entire network of compromised devices, essentially turning them into “zombies” that can be remotely controlled by attackers. Once activated, they can carry out attacks like spam emails, DDoS attacks, and even spread more malware.
9. Fileless Malware
Rather than installing files directly on a hard drive, this type of malware runs directly in system memory to exploit legitimate software and OS tools. This malware type can effectively evade traditional antivirus tools, and can be extremely hard to trace and root out.
10. Scareware
As the name suggests, scareware is a type of malware that attempts to trick or “scare” the user into opening an item or taking an action that allows the attacker to gain access to the user’s system. Common examples are pop-ups with alarmist messages like “Your computer is infected!”. They often mimic real software, but once clicked, they actually download malware onto the system, when it was not previously infected.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves From Different Types of Malware
With so many different types of malware, businesses must be smart about how they handle threats. Here are a few tips you can use in your business to minimize risk:
- Regularly train and educate your teams on potential threats
- Keep your operating systems and software up to date
- Go beyond traditional antivirus software and use advanced endpoint protection
- Implement and enforce strong access controls
- Don’t give privileges where they aren’t needed
- Backup critical data regularly so it can be restored cleanly in the event of an infection
- Monitor networks for unusual behavior
Keep in mind that malware is often disguised with seemingly benign filenames that are used to deceive users into clicking on something that can launch an attack.
Some common malware file names include:
- invoice.pdf.exe
- update.exe
- setup.zip
- document_12345.docm
- payment_details.html
Regularly training your employees on the risks of cyberthreats is key to avoiding an accident that can have huge ramifications on your business.
Different Types of Malware: Windows vs macOS
A common misconception is that malware and cyberattacks only target Windows PCs, and not Macs.
While it is true that a significant percentage of malware affects PCs, Macs are not immune themselves. Rather, they are less specifically targeted.
Because PCs have a larger overall market share and have been historically used in businesses, most malware is targeted to that platform. However, Macs are still susceptible to adware, spyware, and trojans, and other types of malware.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your organization is impervious to malware simply because you use Apple machines. The truth is that a malware attack on a Mac can cause just as much damage as one targeting PCs.
Both platforms require active cybersecurity attention. Thinking otherwise can be a costly mistake.
How Managed Cybersecurity Services Can Help
Some organizations are able to keep an in-house cybersecurity and IT team, but for many it’s not financially feasible. But that doesn’t mean you have to handle malware threats alone. There is a solution that can benefit organizations of any size: it’s called managed cybersecurity.
At ITque, we offer our clients fully managed cybersecurity services, giving you access to professional cybersecurity protection for a fraction of the cost of an in-house team.
Managed cybersecurity gives you:
- 24/7 network and endpoint monitoring
- Proactive malware detection
- Rapid containment of threats
- Cybersecurity training for employees
- And more
Working together with ITque ensures you have a team of industry professionals working to keep your business safe from malware 24/7.
Keep Your Organization Safe from Malware With ITque
Different types of malware pose a significant threat for businesses of all sizes, in all industries. But understanding the types of threats out there is only the first step.
Don’t wait for an incident to occur before you take action. Contact ITque today and let us help you navigate the threat of malware and enhance your organization’s cybersecurity before a malware attack jeopardizes everything you’ve worked for.
