What is malware?
Malware is short for "malicious software." It's any kind of software designed to harm or exploit a computer system, network, or device. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. They can steal your information, damage your files, or cause your computer to act strangely. Essentially, it's bad software that you don't want on your computer. The following are different types of common computer malware.
Viruses: These are programs that attach themselves to legitimate files or programs and replicate themselves when these files are executed. They can spread to other systems and cause damage or data loss.
Worms: Unlike viruses, worms can replicate themselves without needing to attach to a program. They spread over networks and can cause widespread damage by consuming bandwidth and overloading systems.
Trojan Horses: These appear to be legitimate software but contain malicious code. When executed, they can give attackers unauthorized access to a user's system.
Ransomware: This type encrypts a user's files or locks them out of their system, demanding a ransom payment to restore access. It can have severe financial and operational impacts on individuals and organizations. The most common way of infecting a network with malware if through malicious link or attachments in phishing emails.
Spyware: As the name suggests, spyware secretly monitors and collects user information without their consent. It can track keystrokes, capture screenshots, and gather sensitive data.
Adware: While not always malicious, adware displays unwanted advertisements on a user's computer. In some cases, it can also track user behavior to display targeted ads.
Sissy's Log Cabin uses advanced antivirus, update protocols for software and operating systems, and firewalls to keep malware off the SLC networks. However, one of our weakest cyber security points is...YOU. SLC demands the compliance of basic cyber security rules to ensure the privacy of our guest and integrity of the data we are entrusted with.
