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What is Malicious Software

Malware, a shortened combination of the words malicious and software, is a catch-all term for any sort of software designed with malicious intent. Malware is sometimes called badware and is often used synonymously with many of the common types of malware, listed below.

Malware is software designed to cause harm to a computer and user. Some forms of malware “spy” on user Internet traffic. Examples include spyware and adware. Spyware monitors a user’s location and if enabled, it can capture sensitive information, e.g., credit card numbers, promoting identity theft. Adware also acquires user information, which is shared with advertisers and then integrated with unwanted, triggered pop-up ads.

Worms and viruses behave differently, as they can quickly proliferate and undermine an entire computer system. They also may perform unsavory activities from a user’s computer without the user’s knowledge. In the wake of a virus or worm, a computer system can experience significant damage...read more at - Techopedia.

Malicious code refers to a broad category of programs that can cause damage or undesirable effects to computers or networks. Potential damage can include modifying, destroying or stealing data, gaining or allowing unauthorised access to a system, bringing up unwanted screens, and executing functions that a user never intended.

Examples of malicious code include computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, logic bombs, spyware, adware and backdoor programs. Because they pose a serious threat to software and information processing facilities, users and administrators must take precautions to detect and prevent malicious code outbreaks...get more to know at - Infosec.

Malware Infections

Malware can infect a computer or other device in a number of ways. It usually happens completely by accident, often by downloading software that has malicious applications bundled with it.

Some malware can get on your computer by taking advantage of security vulnerabilities in your operating system and software programs. Outdated versions of browsers, and often their add-ons or plugins as well, are easy targets.

Removing Malware

Aside from the most serious of malware infections, most are removable through some simple steps, although some are tougher to remove than others. The most common types of malware are actual programs like the legitimate software you use every day. Those programs can be uninstalled like others from Control Panel, at least in Windows operating systems.

Protecting Yourself From Malware

Obviously, the smartest way to avoid malware is to take precautions to prevent the malware from infecting your computer or device in the first place. The most important way to prevent malware from reaching your computer is by making sure you have an antivirus/antimalware program installed, and that you have it configured to constantly scan for signs of malicious activity in downloads and active files. Additionally, you should ensure that this program updates itself every day (or as often as you turn on the device) and having a secondary malware/virus scanner, from another company, installed has become a common best practice...find out more at - Lifewire.

How to detect and remove malware

A user may be able to detect malware if they observe unusual activity such as a sudden loss of disc space, unusually slow speeds, repeated crashes or freezes or an increase in unwanted internet activity and popup advertisements. An antivirus tool may also be installed on the device that detects and removes malware.These tools can either provide real-time protection or detect and remove malware be executing routine system scans...this and more over at - Techtarget.

Malware infection is incredibly widespread. Whether or not you think you may have been infected with malware, it is best practise to scan your computer regularly for malware threats.