5 Different Types of Malware Attacks and How To Avoid Them
The Internet, which began as an essential communication tool supported by centrally controlled networks, has evolved into a diverse, distributed, and richly interconnected system.
The Internet is highly complex, with hundreds of millions of devices connected at any time.
Malware is a much-known term amongst computer users and refers to malicious software that it can use against your computer(s) to either destroy data or steal confidential information.
We will look at the five most common types of malware you will find and how you can protect yourself from them.
5 Different Types of Malware Attacks and How To Avoid Them
Keyloggers
Keyloggers can be either hardware or software in nature. Keyloggers are installed manually into keyboards. The attacker must physically retrieve the device after the victim uses the keyboard.
In contrast, software keyloggers do not require physical access. They are frequently distributed to victims via malicious links or downloads. Keylogger software captures keystrokes and sends the information to the attacker.
The Agent Tesla keylogger first appeared in 2014. The spyware RAT continues to plague users, with the latest versions logging keystrokes and taking screenshots of victims’ devices.
Password managers are instrumental in preventing keylogger attacks because they eliminate the need for users to physically enter their usernames and passwords, which prevents them from being recorded by the keylogger.
Spyware
Spyware is malware that installs itself on a device without the user’s knowledge. Spyware is malware that collects and sells user data to advertisers and other users. It can track credentials and obtain bank account information and additional sensitive information by using malicious apps, links, websites, and email attachments to spread.
Mobile device spyware, which can apply via SMS and MMS, is particularly dangerous because it tracks a user’s location and accesses the device’s camera and microphone. Spyware includes adware, keyloggers, Trojans, and mobile spyware.
Pegasus is a piece of mobile spyware that is designed to target iOS and Android devices. It was discovered in 2016 and was linked to the Israeli technology vendor NSO Group at the time. Apple sued the vendor in November 2021 for allegedly attacking Apple customers and products.
Cryptomining malware
Mining, or verifying transactions on a blockchain, is highly profitable but necessitates massive processing power.
Miners are compensated for each marketing that they validate. Cryptojacking, the action behind crypto mining malware, allows threat actors to conduct verification using the resources of an infected device.
Cisco discovered that crypto mining malware affected 69% of its customers in 2020, accounting for enormous DNS traffic to malicious sites that year.
Adware
Adware is software that displays or downloads unwanted advertisements, usually banners or pop-up windows. It collects web browser history and cookies to target users with relevant ads.
Adware is not always malicious. To offset developer costs, software developers use legitimate adware with the consent of users. On the other hand, malicious adware can display advertisements that, when clicked, can lead to infection.
Threat actors exploit vulnerabilities to infiltrate operating systems and inject malicious adware into pre-existing applications. Users may also download applications that have already been infected with adware. Adware can also be included in a software bundle when downloading a legitimate application or come pre-installed on a device, referred to as bloatware.
Adware includes Fireball, Gator, DollarRevenue, and OpenSUpdater.
Bots
A bot is a self-replicating malware that spreads to other devices, forming a botnet or network of bots. Machines infected with malware perform automated tasks as directed by the attacker. DDoS attacks frequently make use of botnets. They can also spy on you and send you phishing emails.
Mirai is a well-known botnet. This malware, which was responsible for a massive DDoS attack in 2016, still targets IoT and other devices today.
According to research, botnets thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infected consumer devices, which are common targets for Mirai and other botnets, when used by employees for work or on the networks of employees working from home on company-owned devices, allow malware to spread to corporate systems.
How to Protect Malware Attacks
The best defense against common types of malware attacks is good cybersecurity hygiene.
Cyber hygiene is similar to personal hygiene in that if an organization maintains a high level of health (security), it avoids becoming ill (attacked).
The following are examples of good cyber hygiene practices for preventing malware attacks:
- Update and patch software.
- Use firewalls and security software such as antivirus and antimalware.
- Use email best practices.
- Install email security gateways.
- It should avoid links and attachments.
- Put in place access control.
- Multifactor authentication is required.
- Use the least privilege principle.
- Keep an eye out for unusual or suspicious activity.
Conclusion
It is not a comprehensive list of attacks, just five of the most common and devastating. Because malware is specific to operating systems and other forms of software, this list will be incomplete. With any luck, though, the information provided in this article will help you keep your computer safe from viruses and other malicious software.
Ready to Streamline Compliance?
Building a secure foundation for your startup is crucial, but navigating the complexities of achieving compliance can be a hassle, especially for a small team.
SecureSlate offers a simpler solution:
- Affordable: Expensive compliance software shouldn’t be the barrier. Our affordable plans start at just $99/month.
- Focus on Your Business, Not Paperwork: Automate tedious tasks and free up your team to focus on innovation and growth.
- Gain Confidence and Credibility: Our platform guides you through the process, ensuring you meet all essential requirements, giving you peace of mind.
Get Started in Just 3 Minutes
It only takes 3 minutes to sign up and see how our platform can streamline your compliance journey.
