Malware is defined as software designed and distributed to gain unauthorised access to computers and other connected devices, disrupt their normal operation, gather sensitive or confidential information or spy on the device’s user(s).
Detailed definitions can be found at Get Safe Online.
In short, the main aims of malware are to:
- Spread itself into different software on your computer, and to other users’ such as colleagues or partners
- Steal your information, or other companies’ who you do business with
- Log your keystrokes
- Create fake pop-up banners or direct you to infected websites
- Lock your computer and charge a ransom
Malware is a general term for the following classes of malicious code:
- Worms
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Spyware
- Ransomware
Malware can be executed on systems and networks by simply clicking on hyperlinks, visiting spoofed websites, or downloading attachments purporting to be PDFs or Word documents.
There are a few hard and fast rules we should all follow to be wary of malware:
- Never use USBs you are not 100% sure of the origin
- Be wary loading DVDs in your computer, again if unsure of the origin
- Turn on macro protection in Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint and Excel in particular)
- Ensure antivirus scans emails attachments for viruses, and be generally cautious of emails with links and attachments from sources you are not 100% sure about.