Malware is malicious software that is designed to "disrupt or steal sensitive data from devices, posing a threat to individuals and businesses alike."

  1. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-malware

Types of malware:

File Infector: Attaches to legitimate .exe files and spreads

  • Modified PE signatures/sections, file manipulation Trojan: Disguises as real software while creating backdoors
  • Network and system access, process injection Adware: Displays unwanted ads/redirects websites
  • Network connections to ad servers, browser modification Ransomware: Encrypts files to force users to pay
  • Encryption packages, mass filesystem access Worm: Self-replicating malware that spreads via networks
  • Network scanning, self-copying Spyware: Log user keystrokes and personal information
  • Network connections, key-logging, browser injection Botnet: Backdoor to perform distributed tasks (DDoS/Crypto)
  • Network command & control, system info gathering Remote Access Trojan (RAT): Disguise as program to gain full access
  • Full data exfiltration, key-logging, network, screenshots

Sources: Slides 1 Group 1