Security Strategies in Windows Platforms and Applications, 3rd Edition

Types of Malware

Attackers can choose different types of malware to meet the goals of their attacks. The best type of malware for any situation depends on the type of attack. Malware can be loosely divided into two main categories: programs that spread or infect and programs that hide.

Programs that spread or infect actively attempt to copy themselves to other computers. Their main purpose is to carry out instructions on new targets. Malware of this type includes:

• Viruses

• Worms

Other malware hides in the computer to carry out its instructions while avoiding detection. Malware that tends to hide includes:

• Trojan horses

• Ransomware

• Rootkits

• Spyware

Understanding these six basic types of malware and how to protect your systems from them is ...