11 Types of Malware and How to Recognize Them

If you run a business today, you likely depend on computers, networks, and the internet. Sadly, so do hackers. They use various tools to achieve their dubious goals, including malware.

What is malware? 

Malware describes any kind of malicious software designed by hackers to gain unauthorized entry into a network, machine, or system. They use various types of malware to steal, exploit, or modify data or cause harm in any other way. 

You can’t afford to lose your data as a business entity, right? So, what are the different types of malware, how can you recognize them, and what should you do to get rid of them? Find out below.

Virus

Virus malware is one of the most common malware types. It’s essentially malicious code injected into an application, system, or program and launched by unsuspecting victims themselves. Virus malware spreads by self-replicating, infecting entire networks. It’s commonly used to delete, disrupt, export, or modify files, launch ransomware or DDoS attacks, and steal data.

Signs

Common signs of this type of malware are:

• Frequent pop-ups
• Unusual homepage changes
• Bulk emails sent without your knowledge
• Slow computer
• Frequent crashes

Solution

If you detect a malware virus, immediately turn on the ‘safe mode’ and run an on-demand virus scan. Scan your computer multiple times so that no residuals are left.

Worms

Worms are the second most common type of malware and behave like a virus. However, they don’t typically affect other programs. Worms also self-replicate and spread by going after known exploits. 

Signs

If you notice these signs, there’s a possibility of a worm attack:

• Space on your hard drive is getting used up
• The computer has gone sluggish
• The frequent crashing of programs
• Files are getting deleted or replaced on their own

Solution

The most efficient way to get rid of different types of malware is to install a credible antivirus. Companies offering antivirus software also provide virus removal tools that are useful for removing worms. You must also clear your browsing data, cache, and cookies to remove viruses hidden in temporary files.

Lastly, try uninstalling apps, software, and files you don’t recognize or trust.

Trojan

The trojan malware type appears non-malicious. It can’t spread like a virus or worm, so victims execute them unknowingly. Trojan malware usually enters a system or computer via email or a malicious link.

Signs

Observe these signs to detect a trojan attack:

• A visible change in color, shade, and resolution of your desktop screen
• A disabled antivirus or any other security system
• Disappearance of the taskbar
• Frequent pop-ups
• Cursor moves on its own
• Unusual messages or graphics on your screen

Solution

If your computer is hit by a trojan, performing a ‘System Restore’ will help eliminate it. Running an anti-trojan software scan will stop data exportation immediately and prevent further damage.

Hybrid Malware

The common types of malware include hybrid malware as well. It’s also called combo malware because it’s a combination of two or more types of malware. The usual combinations are trojan and worm or adware and bot.

Signs

Since hybrid malware is a combination of two or more malware, there aren’t any specific signs. However, raise the alarm if you notice:

• Frequent pop-ups
• Missing files
• Slow computer
• Unusual messages or warnings 

Solution

To get rid of hybrid malware, you must remove the controlling components from memory. A thorough antimalware scan should be the next step.

Adware

An adware attack is one of the most common types of cyberattacks these days. It’s short for advertisement malware. The aggressive and frequent pop-up ads on the internet are adware. They contain malicious links that get injected into your device upon clicking.

Signs

Common signs of adware are:

• An unexpected change in your browser’s home page
• Frequent ad pop-ups, especially when you’re not even online
• Slow performance
• Redirected internet searches
• Reduced internet speed

Solution

Start by uninstalling suspicious and unrecognized software and applications. Next, reset your web browser settings to make sure hackers can’t exploit your system any further. You can also uninstall and reinstall it so that no residue is left at all.

Malvertising

Malvertising is done by distributing malware through online advertisements on legitimate websites, where hackers often pay for such ad placements. Malvertising opens the door to ransomware attacks, credit card fraud, and data theft. In 2016, prestigious media outlets like The New York Times and BBC were hit by a malvertising attack that targeted users’ computers with ransomware.

Signs

You may see the following in a malvertisement:

• Unprofessionally designed and low-resolution graphics
• Spelling errors
• Sounds too good to be true (big lottery, spin-wheel price game, sponsored vacations, etc.)

Solution

There are two steps to get rid of malvertisements: Reinstalling your web browser and running multiple antivirus scans. Make sure you’ve installed credible antivirus software to protect your devices from cyberattacks.

Spyware

Spyware is a malware type that infiltrates computers without the owner’s knowledge, which can result in identity theft and fraud. Hackers use it to spy, track user activity, record passwords, and steal sensitive information.

Signs

If your computer shows these signs, it could be attacked by spyware:

• Unable to login into the websites you usually do
• Irrelevant ads
• Software crashing
• Browser redirecting to other websites
• Browser default search engine changed

Solution

Disconnect from the internet as soon as you detect spyware, and try to delete all recently downloaded files. Reboot your system after that, and run an antivirus scanner.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a very prevalent type of malware that aims at demanding a high ransom in exchange for sensitive data or regained access. Hackers steal and encrypt important files or lock a device or computer and hold the decryption key until their victim pays a ransom. Learn about the differences between ransomware vs. malware vs. phishing in our blog post on the topic.

Signs

Here are the signs to detect ransomware:

• Files with unknown extensions
• Increase in file renames
• Missing files

Solution

The best preventative method is regularly backing good-quality data on an external hard drive. If your information is stolen, you can use the backup version but avoid ransomware altogether and never download or click on suspicious links, email attachments, or files.

Scareware

Scareware is another common type of malware. It sits on your computer disguised as a real antivirus or antispyware software. It then shows pop-ups threatening users to visit a spoofed or infected website or download a link injected with malware.

Signs

Look for these signs to detect scareware on your computer:

• Sluggishness
• It frequently turns off
• The genuine antivirus software is disabled without your knowledge

Solution

Start by uninstalling any suspicious applications, and restart your computer in safe mode with networking. This will allow the system to download and install genuine software and tools to remove all the residue.

Bots

Malware bots are designed to gain unauthorized entry into a system or even remotely control a device. Hackers use botnets or bot networks to steal or modify information, send phishing emails, record user activity (keystrokes, webcam, etc.), or launch DDoS attacks. These bots perform automated actions without the user’s consent and awareness.

Signs

Watch out for these signs:

• The device doesn’t shut down completely or takes more time than usual
• Certain applications don’t work properly or continuously crash
• Emails that you didn’t initiate appear in the sent box 
• Getting replies to messages and emails not sent by you

Solution

Change the passwords of your device, social media accounts, payment gateways, net-banking apps, etc. This alone isn’t enough; you also need botnet removal tools.

Fileless Malware

Usually, all malware categories are dependent on an executable “exe.” file that infects a computer. However, the fileless malware type doesn’t require one as it’s memory-based, not file-based. It piggybacks off native software, applications, or protocols, executing malicious scripts while the legitimate program runs.

Signs

Since there aren’t any files involved, fileless malware is challenging to detect. However, you should be alarmed if you see the following:

• Software not working properly
• Computer slowing down

Solution

The only possible solution to get rid of fileless malware is by running an antivirus scan. You should already have authentic antivirus software installed on your system.

Final Thoughts

Malware attacks are a common form of cybercrime in today’s digital landscape. Hackers use malware to steal information, commit fraud, exploit systems, and other harmful actions for financial gain.

Mainly, there are 11 types of malware deployed using various techniques, including social engineering, drive-by downloads, and phishing. According to a 2019 Verizon report, 94% of malware was delivered via email.

That’s why cyber and email security best practices are absolutely crucial. In addition to the numerous types of malware, you should also know how to protect your site from SEO spam malware.