Types of Malware Attacks
Malware is a malicious program that an attacker programmed and sent to a target to harm the computer, disrupt the functions of a computer system, or steal sensitive information. A programmed code that is written to perform these harmful tasks is malicious and they are software called Malware (MALicious software). Attackers use different vehicles to deliver malware to their targets, malware attacks and means for delivering malware may include Electronic mail attachments, Instant Messages, Network Messaging, Internet Web downloads, Trojan Horse, etc. Spamming is a useful vehicle that malware attackers use for delivering harmful programs to large numbers of targets.
There are various types of malware and their use depends on the intention of attacking. The common intentions of malware programmers include Crashing a device, Disrupting the function of a device, deleting data, destroying data, overloading storage media, stealing sensitive information, etc. Below are explained different types of existing malware.
Types of Malware
Virus: A virus is a harmful program that can infect programs on a device, A virus attaches to a host program and propagates when the infected program is executed. A virus replicates from an infected program or file to another program or file whenever an infected program executes, the virus moves from one computer to another whenever the infected program is copied or transmitted to a computer. Virus codes may contain malicious instructions that may crash, cause damage, or change the function of a computer.
Worm: Unlike a virus, a worm does not need to attach to any program. Worms are self-replicating malware that copies itself from one computer to another in a network without the knowledge of the computer user.
Keylogger: A Keystroke logger or keylogger is a monitoring or surveillance software that logs and captures the keystroke on a keyboard, culture can be found as hardware or software which is known as hardware keylogger or software keylogger which they are all considered to be a type of Spyware Tools. Keylogging is the process and practice of recording the keystroke and activities of a computer user or a victim and keys typed and other activities of the computer user are recorded and recorded information is obtained or dispatched without the user’s knowledge.
Spyware: Spyware behaviors are similar to culture, but in many cases, spyware captures and records critical information. Many spyware programs are programmed to capture and monitor what websites are visited, including all pages browsed, windows and directories opened on the operating system, and activities on a computer. Spyware software is installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge which monitors user activity and transmits it to another computer using protocols.
Trojan Horse: Trojan is named Trojan Horse due to what malicious purpose it contains. Trojan in computer security is malicious software that appears to be a real and useful program to the user but would actually have some harmful and malicious purpose. Trojan’s front-end is looks friendly and useful, but it is a Trojan horse because of what it contains in the back end. Trojan horse misleads a user to install it, when installed; a malicious program is silently installed. Trojans usually carry any harmful code like viruses, worms, or spyware.
Backdoor: A backdoor program works in the background that is usually programmed and silently installed for bypassing authentication and it is quite difficult to detect by the system user. A backdoor may sometimes be installed with a program so that the program or system can be accessed quickly and easily at any time. When a system is compromised by an attacker, the attacker may install a back door so that the compromised system can be accessed quickly at any time through the backdoor program. Because of quick, easy, and repeatable accessibility, attackers may have enough time to monitor user’s activities and carry out various fraudulent and harmful actions against the user’s system that may include creation, deletion, rename or modification of files, changing of system settings, uninstall useful programs, installation of hidden harmful software, tracking and recording of user’s activities, stealing of sensitive information like password, bank detail, login name, credit card detail, and many more.
Rootkit: A rootkit is a program designed to allow repeated privileged access to a computer while undetectable. A rootkit is a designed tool that enables administrator-level access to a computer or network. Rootkit came out from two words, namely “root” and “kit; meaning root access to a computer system and a kit of tools that allow access possible. When a rootkit is installed, the attacker/administrator of the rootkit can remotely create, modify, or delete files, modify configurations on the machine, and spy on the user’s regular activities.
Web browser parasite: Browser parasite is also known as adware or malvertising program, it is unwanted media in the form of an image, flash, video, or link that appears on the web browser. This media may embed malicious codes that redirect to download or link to harmful programs or web pages after a click. Some internet advertiser also uses this idea to display unwanted advertisements to protect their product or service or to generate income from an advertisement.
Botnet: Botnet software allows an attacker to take complete control remotely of an affected computer or group of computers. The word Botnet came from two words, namely “robot” and “network”. The attacker usually compromises several computers and later organizes them with botnet software and controls them remotely as a network called a Zombie network or Botnet (bot network). The compromised machine that is used for infecting other machines may also be referred to as a “zombie.” A collection of these infected computers is known as a “botnet.” A botnet maker (attacker) can use a botnet (group of infected computers) remotely for several illegal purposes that may include Denial-of-service attack (DoS Attack) or Distributed Denial-of-service attack (DDoS Attack), Email Spam, installation of harmful software, stealing of sensitive information, etc.
Ransomware: Ransomware is fully understood as Ransom malware, ransomware is a type of malware that locks and prevents users from accessing their system file or program, typically by encryption and the attacker demands payment for decryption to retrieve and regain access. The usual motive of this attack is for financial gain in which the attacker demands money after a successful attack. The victim of this attack is informed by the attacker about the attack and the attacker provides instructions on how to decrypt and recover it to regain access, the perpetrator will actually demand anonymous payment such as cryptocurrency before doing the recovery.
Web bugs: A Web bug also known as a Web beacon, is a file object that is inserted on a Web page or in an e-mail message to track user behavior. Web bugs can be used for fingerprinting and they are often used by spammers to validate e-mail addresses. A Spam email that includes a web bug can return confirmation to the spammer indicating that the message has been opened, which confirms that the email address is valid and the email was delivered and opened by the recipient. Web bugs placed on the web can be used to track a user or for fingerprinting (information gathering) purposes, information web bug detects and obtain may include the viewer’s IP address, browser type, OS type, time opened, etc.
Computers and mobile should be malware-proof by the use of Anti-Malware Software on the device. Installation of Anti-Malware software with regular scanning and updates reduces the risk of getting harmed by malicious programs, the specific anti-malware program detects and protects against a specific malware program, but there are so many anti-malware programs existing in the market that work against multiple malware. Device users and network users should be security conscious about common malware attacks and The idea of knowing ‘Think before click and Think before Download” can also help in every situation.
Protecting against various types of malware is essential to maintain the security of computer systems.
Here are strategies to defend against major types of malware:
- Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it regularly updated. Use real-time scanning to detect and remove known malware strains.
- Regular Software Updates: Keep the operating system, software, and applications up to date. Software updates often include patches to address vulnerabilities exploited by malware.
- Firewalls: Activate firewalls on both network routers and individual devices. Firewalls act as a barrier, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic.
- Email Security: Be cautious with email attachments and links. Use email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious content. Educate users about phishing tactics.
- Browser Security: Utilize secure browsers and keep them updated. Adjust browser settings to enhance security, and be cautious about downloading files from untrusted websites.
- User Training and Awareness: Educate users about safe online practices, the risks of downloading from untrusted sources, and the importance of avoiding suspicious links and emails.
- Behavioral Analysis: Implement advanced endpoint protection solutions that employ behavioral analysis to identify and block malware based on unusual activities or patterns.
- Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit the spread of malware. If one segment is compromised, it reduces the impact on the entire network.
- Least Privilege Principle: Adhere to the principle of least privilege, granting users and systems only the minimum access required to perform their tasks. This limits the potential impact of malware.
- Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure that the backup is stored in a secure location. In the event of a malware attack, this allows for data recovery without paying ransom.
- Patch Management: Establish a robust patch management system to promptly apply security updates. Regularly check for and apply patches to known vulnerabilities.
- Endpoint Security: Use endpoint security solutions that provide multiple layers of protection, including antivirus, anti-malware, and intrusion prevention features.
- Application Whitelisting: Implement application whitelisting to allow only approved applications to run on a system, reducing the risk of unauthorized or malicious software execution.
- Mobile Device Security: Apply security measures to mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Install reputable security apps and keep operating systems updated.
- Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Secure Wi-Fi networks with strong encryption (e.g., WPA3) and use complex passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- Threat Intelligence: Leverage threat intelligence services to stay informed about the latest malware threats. Use this information to enhance security policies and defenses.
By implementing these measures, organizations and individuals can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections and enhance overall cybersecurity. Regular monitoring, timely updates, and user education are crucial components of a comprehensive defense strategy against malware.