Understand Adware, Bots, Bugs, Rootkits, Ransomware, Spyware, Trojan Horses, Viruses, and Worms

As a cyber security enthusiast, you often hear different terms denoting viruses in the devices. This blog clears all your doubts related to Adware, Bots, Bugs, Rootkits, Ransomware, Spyware, Trojan Horses, Viruses, and Worms.

Understand Malware Type

Malware Type	Definition	Method of Operation	Payload
Adware	Displays unwanted advertisements to generate revenue	Bundled with free software, pop-ups	Intrusive ads, potential performance degradation
Bots	Automated programs that perform tasks on the Internet	Infected computers form a network (botnet)	DDoS attacks, spam distribution, data theft
Bugs	Flaws or errors in software code	Programming mistakes, oversights	System crashes, unexpected behavior
Rootkits	Conceals malicious software, giving unauthorized access	Exploits vulnerabilities, often hard to detect	Unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation
Ransomware	Encrypts files or locks users out, demanding a ransom	Email attachments, malicious links	Data encryption, extortion
Spyware	Collects information without user consent	Bundled with free software, malicious links	Keystroke logging, personal data theft
Trojan Horses	Appears as legitimate software but carries malicious code	Disguised as trustworthy programs	Unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation
Viruses	Infects and replicates within host files or programs	Infected files, email attachments	File corruption, data loss, system instability
Worms	Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks	Exploits vulnerabilities, often via network	Network congestion, data loss, system instability

Adware

Adware is also referred to as advertising-supported software. Sometimes, you have encountered a problem of advertising pop-ups automatically while browsing the internet.

The main cause of this problem is Adware. It generally installs with free software that you downloaded from the internet.

Bots

Bots are referred to as infected machines where malicious software has been installed. Generally, the attacker finds vulnerable systems on the network and infects those systems. Then, they control all those systems to attack more systems, and this chain will continue.

The attacker uses all those infected systems to attack websites to exhaust resources and down the server. This attack is also called Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Websites can guard against bots with CAPTCHA tests that verify users as human.

Bugs

Bugs are referred to as a flaws in a software program that produces an undesired outcome. It generally arises because of human error while developing a source code or compiler of a program.

Bugs are considered minor, and major. Minor bugs do not affect results much; that’s why they remain unidentified for a long period. Major bugs can cause crashing. Security bugs cause great harm and allow attackers to hack applications. It can be prevented with developer education, quality control, and code analysis tools.

Ransomware

This is the most popular malware nowadays. In this type of attack, the user’s data got encrypted or locked out. The attacker will ask for money to decrypt or provide access to data. However, it is complicated to get data back even after giving ransom.

Generally, attackers have no control over affected systems, and there is no way to recover data. Wannacry, Petya, etc., are some of the ransomware. It exploits the vulnerability of systems and spreads like a computer worm.

Rootkits

It is a malicious program that acts stealthily and controls the machine remotely. Once installed in a machine, hackers can remotely execute files, access/steal information, modify system configurations, alter software, install concealed malware, or control the computer as part of a botnet.

Generally, it is detected manually on noticing the anomaly behavior of machines. Organizations and users can protect themselves from rootkits by regularly patching vulnerabilities in software, updating virus definitions, avoiding suspicious downloads, applications, and operating systems, and performing static analysis scans.

Spyware

Spyware is a malicious program that tracks your activity and steals information on machines. Spyware activities include activity monitoring, collecting keystrokes, data harvesting (account information, logins, financial data), and many more.

Trojan Horses

It is a malicious program that infects your system and helps install other malware types. It is different from viruses as it does not replicate. But it helps other malware by masking their existence so that it appears normal for the users.

Viruses

A computer virus is a malicious code that replicates by copying itself to another program, computer boot sector, or document and changes how a computer works.

Viruses are capable of corrupting or damaging data. It can also steal passwords or data, log keystrokes, corrupt files, spam your email contacts, and many more.

Worms

Worms are the most common type of malware. It duplicates itself and spreads very fast, like a virus, but it does not need to attach itself to an existing program.

Worms exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems and spread through e-mail or other file transmission capabilities found on networked computers. You can identify whether your system is infected with worms or not if

1. new icons or shortcuts on your desktops
2. slow PC
3. pop-ups appear regularly.

Conclusion

In essence, diverse forms of malicious software present risks to computer systems. Adware exhibits intrusive ads, bots automate deleterious tasks, bugs manifest as code errors, and rootkits obscure malicious activities. Ransomware encrypts files for extortion, spyware covertly gathers information, trojan horses masquerade as legitimate programs, viruses replicate, and worms autonomously propagate. Grasping these threats is paramount for robust cybersecurity and safeguarding against potential risks.