What is the name of the software that is created to cause damage to data or hardware?

This page provides an overview of the most common malware applications. For specific steps you can take to protect against malware, see our Protect Against Viruses & Security Threats pages.

What is Malware?

Malware is a catch-all term for various malicious software, including viruses, adware, spyware, browser hijacking software, and fake security software.

Once installed on your computer, these programs can seriously affect your privacy and your computer's security. For example, malware is known for relaying personal information to advertisers and other third parties without user consent. Some programs are also known for containing worms and viruses that cause a great deal of computer damage.

Types of Malware

Viruses which are the most commonly-known form of malware and potentially the most destructive. They can do anything from erasing the data on your computer to hijacking your computer to attack other systems, send spam, or host and share illegal content.
Spyware collects your personal information and passes it on to interested third parties without your knowledge or consent. Spyware is also known for installing Trojan viruses.
Adware displays pop-up advertisements when you are online.
Fake security software poses as legitimate software to trick you into opening your system to further infection, providing personal information, or paying for unnecessary or even damaging "clean ups".
Browser hijacking software changes your browser settings (such as your home page and toolbars), displays pop-up ads and creates new desktop shortcuts. It can also relay your personal preferences to interested third parties.

Facts about Malware

Malware is often bundled with other software and may be installed without your knowledge.
For instance, AOL Instant Messenger comes with WildTangent, a documented malware program. Some peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, such as KaZaA, Gnutella, and LimeWire also bundle spyware and adware. While End User License Agreements (EULA) usually include information about additional programs, some malware is automatically installed, without notification or user consent.

Malware is very difficult to remove.
Malware programs can seldom be uninstalled by conventional means. In addition, they ‘hide’ in unexpected places on your computer (e.g., hidden folders or system files), making their removal complicated and time-consuming. In some cases, you may have to reinstall your operating system to get rid of the infection completely.

Malware threatens your privacy.
Malware programs are known for gathering personal information and relaying it to advertisers and other third parties. The information most typically collected includes your browsing and shopping habits, your computer's IP address, or your identification information.

Malware threatens your computer’s security.
Some types of malware contain files commonly identified as Trojan viruses. Others leave your computer vulnerable to viruses. Regardless of type, malware is notorious for being at the root, whether directly or indirectly, of virus infection, causing conflicts with legitimate software and compromising the security of any operating system, Windows or Macintosh.

How do I know if I have Malware on my computer?

Common symptoms include:

Browser crashes & instabilities

Browser closes unexpectedly or stops responding.
The home page changes to a different website and cannot be reset.
New toolbars are added to the browser.
Clicking a link does not work or you are redirected to an unrelated website.

Poor system performance

Internet connection stops unexpectedly.
Computer stops responding or takes longer to start.
Applications do not open or are blocked from downloading updates (especially security programs).
New icons are added to desktop or suspicious programs are installed.
Certain system settings or configuration options become unavailable.

Advertising

Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
Browser opens automatically to display ads.
New pages open in browser to display ads.
Search results pages display only ads.

Malware, being one of the common causes of data breaches, is something every IT and security expert should be concerned about. It’s a fact that many businesses will install anti-virus and forget about it, not knowing that malware can still bypass anti-virus software and firewalls.

The truth is, no anti-virus or anti-malware will protect you from ALL malware. If an infection slips through, it means that your confidential information will be put at risk.

With that being said, it’s important to know the different types of malware and how to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more.

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What is malware?

Malware is an umbrella term for any piece of software that has malicious intent. There are several types of malware and each of them has a unique way of infiltrating your computer which may include attempts at gaining unauthorized control of your computer systems, stealing your personal information, encrypting your important files, or causing other harm to your computers. Sometimes the damage can be irrevocable.

Where does malware come from?

Some of the most common sources of malware are email attachments, malicious websites, torrents, and shared networks.

Phishing – Emails can be disguised to be coming from a fraudulent company for the sole purpose of getting you to reveal personal information

Malicious Websites – Some websites may attempt to install malware onto your computer, usually through popups or malicious links

Torrents – Files shared through BitTorrents are generally unsafe because you never know what to expect until they’re downloaded

Shared Networks – A malware-infected computer on the same shared network may spread malware onto your computer

7 Common Types of Malware

Here’s a list of the common types of malware and their malicious intent:

1. Trojans

A Trojan (or Trojan Horse) disguises itself as legitimate software with the purpose of tricking you into executing malicious software on your computer.

2. Spyware

Spyware invades your computer and attempts to steal your personal information such as credit card or banking information, web browsing data, and passwords to various accounts.

3. Adware

Adware is unwanted software that displays advertisements on your screen. Adware collects personal information from you to serve you with more personalized ads.

4. Rootkits

Rootkits enable unauthorized users to gain access to your computer without being detected.

5. Ransomware

Ransomware is designed to encrypt your files and block access to them until a ransom is paid.

6. Worms

A worm replicates itself by infecting other computers that are on the same network. They’re designed to consume bandwidth and interrupt networks.

7. Keyloggers

Keyloggers keep track of your keystrokes on your keyboard and record them on a log. This information is used to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

How to prevent malware

Since malware is so widespread and hundreds of thousands of new malicious files are reported every day, there’s no single solution that will prevent all malware. For this reason, we recommend using multiple solutions to add more layers of protection to your computers.

Use Software

Here is a list of some malware prevention software we recommend:

BitDefender – BitDefender is a well-rounded anti-virus solution that is currently protecting over 500 million users worldwide. It offers unparalleled endpoint protection and virus protection. Free BitDefender trial.
Malwarebytes – The most effective and widely-adopted anti-malware on the market. The scans are thorough and the program prevents you from executing malicious files and visiting malicious websites. Free Malwarebytes trial.
TitanFile – TitanFile is an easy-to-use, secure file-sharing platform that enables you to send and receive confidential files securely. TitanFile automatically scans the files for malware before they’re downloaded to your computer. Free TitanFile trial.
Spybots – Effectively protects you from spyware, protecting your private information and other data from being sent to third parties. Get access.

Be Cautious

A little common sense and caution can also prevent malware from infecting your computer. Here are some tips:

If an email looks suspicious or too good to be true, don’t open it
Don’t download files from non-reputable websites as they could contain malicious files
Don’t use your work laptop on public networks

Additional Tip: Always back up your files!

As mentioned earlier in this article, sometimes malware can cause irrevocable damage — such as file encryption and file loss. To save yourself a lot of trouble, it’s important to keep your files backed up so you can restore them in case something like this happens.

What software is designed to damage a computer?

Malware: Malware is short for malicious software, it is a software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.

What is the name of software that can infect a file and cause damage to the computer?

Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.

What is the name given to a program that can do damage to your computer and destroy data but is disguised to appear harmless?

Trojan horse (computing) In computing, a Trojan horse is a program downloaded and installed on a computer that appears harmless, but is, in fact, malicious.

What type of software application is used to help prevent damage to your data?

Antivirus software protects your device from viruses that can destroy your data, slow down or crash your device, or allow spammers to send email through your account.