8. Malware
Malicious software (malware) is software designed to harm users, computer systems, or networks. It can steal sensitive data, spy on user activity, destroy or modify files, and deny access to a system (e.g., by locking files and demanding ransom). The consequences can include data loss, financial damage, business disruption, and security breaches.
The most common forms of malware include:
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viruses – self-replicating programs that attach themselves to other files and spread without the user’s knowledge;
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worms – spread independently over a network, often without the need for user action;
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trojan horses – disguise themselves as legitimate programs but allow unauthorised access to a system;
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ransomware – locks down data or entire systems and demands a ransom to regain access. The most serious threat to information systems in recent years;
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spyware – secretly collects information about the user without their knowledge, often for the purpose of identity theft or activity monitoring.
Effective defense against malware includes regular data backups, up-to-date antivirus software, regular system updates, safe user behaviour, and network segmentation.
Free antivirus tools:
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