what is malware in cyber security

1 year ago 60
Nature

Malware is a term used to describe any software or code that is intentionally designed to harm a computer, network, or server. Malware can be delivered and installed on end-user systems and servers through various methods, including email attachments, malicious websites, and infected software. Malware can be used by cybercriminals to achieve a variety of malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive data, encrypting files, or disrupting computer systems.

There are many types of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Each type of malware has its own unique characteristics and objectives. For example, viruses can copy themselves throughout a computer or network and can corrupt or delete data, while spyware silently collects data and sends it to an attacker.

To protect against malware attacks, it is important to take preventative measures such as installing and regularly updating antivirus software, avoiding suspicious emails and websites, and keeping software up to date. If malware is detected, it is important to take immediate action to remove it from the infected system.