What is malware?

When many people think of malware, they think of a computer virus. This name is prevalently thrown-around when describing a cyberattack. However, when looking at the term malware, it actually encompasses a broader scope of computer attacks that can be sub-classified.

According to Cisco, “[m]alware is intrusive software that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems. Malware is a contraction for ‘malicious software.'”

The article later goes on to describe seven main types of malware (“What is Malware”). The following is a list of the seven:

1. Virus
2. Worms
3. Trojan virus
4. Spyware
5. Adware
6. Ransomware
7. Fileless malware

In order to understand what each of these are and to find out more information, you can visit the following link:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/advanced-malware-protection/what-is-malware.html#~7-types-of-malware

Works Cited

“What Is Malware? – Definition and Examples.” Cisco, Cisco, 9 Feb. 2022, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/advanced-malware-protection/what-is-malware.html#~how-malware-works.