Types of Malware

Malware comes in many forms, each designed with a different method of spreading and a different goal once it infects a system.

Viruses and Worms

Viruses attach themselves to legitimate files and spread when those files are shared or executed, while worms self-replicate and spread across networks without needing a host file.

Trojans

A trojan disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it, often opening a backdoor for attackers once it's running on the system.

Spyware and Adware

Spyware secretly monitors user activity and collects data, while adware bombards users with unwanted advertisements, both often bundled with seemingly harmless downloads.

Why Classification Matters

Knowing how different malware types behave helps security teams choose the right detection and containment strategy, since a worm outbreak and a spyware infection require very different responses.