10 hours ago
Infection Types Defined
Introduction
The world of **computer malware** consists of numerous infection types. You may have encountered these terms in **antivirus scan results, security news, or technical reports**. This guide provides a **detailed overview** of these malware types, helping you understand their characteristics and impact.
While this serves as a foundational reference, it is encouraged that you **continue researching** to deepen your knowledge about malware threats and their removal techniques.
Backdoors
A **backdoor** is a type of malware that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized administrative access to a system. Attackers use backdoors to **steal data, monitor activity, or remotely control a device**.
Types of Backdoors:
Viruses
A **virus** is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting its code into other executable files or system components. Some viruses are **harmless**, while others cause significant system damage.
Types of Viruses:
Worms
Unlike viruses, **worms** do not need a host file to spread. They propagate through networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in software, bypassing authentication to spread automatically.
Trojans (Trojan Horses)
**Trojans** disguise themselves as legitimate software but contain malicious payloads. Unlike viruses, they do not self-replicate but often serve as **a gateway for further infections**.
Types of Trojans:
Adware
**Adware** is software that displays unwanted advertisements, often collecting user data to serve targeted ads. While not always classified as malware, it can degrade system performance and invade privacy.
Types of Adware:
Ransomware
**Ransomware** is a severe type of malware that encrypts user data and demands **payment (ransom) in exchange for decryption**.
Types of Ransomware:
Rootkits
**Rootkits** are malware designed to gain **deep system-level access**, making them extremely difficult to detect and remove. They often work alongside **trojans or backdoors**.
Types of Rootkits:
Keyloggers (Keystroke Loggers)
A **keylogger** is spyware that records keystrokes to **steal sensitive information** like passwords, banking details, and login credentials.
Other Notes
By learning about malware, you can better protect yourself and others from cybersecurity threats.
Introduction
The world of **computer malware** consists of numerous infection types. You may have encountered these terms in **antivirus scan results, security news, or technical reports**. This guide provides a **detailed overview** of these malware types, helping you understand their characteristics and impact.
While this serves as a foundational reference, it is encouraged that you **continue researching** to deepen your knowledge about malware threats and their removal techniques.
Backdoors
A **backdoor** is a type of malware that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized administrative access to a system. Attackers use backdoors to **steal data, monitor activity, or remotely control a device**.
Types of Backdoors:
- **Backdoor Trojan** – Gains unauthorized administrative access, often modifying system components to remain undetected. These are difficult to remove entirely.
- **Backdoor Rootkit** – Injects itself into low-level system components, such as device drivers, hardware interfaces, or the Master Boot Record (MBR). These are among the hardest infections to detect and remove.
Viruses
A **virus** is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting its code into other executable files or system components. Some viruses are **harmless**, while others cause significant system damage.
Types of Viruses:
- **File Infector Virus** – Attaches itself to executable files, spreading through the OS and damaging files. Examples: **Virut, Sality**.
- **Boot Sector Virus** – Infects the **MBR** or **boot sector**, making removal difficult without replacing system boot data.
- **Macro Virus** – Targets software like **Microsoft Office** by executing malicious macros when a document is opened.
- **Polymorphic Virus** – Changes its **code structure or encryption pattern** each time it infects a file, making detection harder.
- **Metamorphic Virus** – An advanced virus that **rewrites its own code** to avoid signature-based detection.
Worms
Unlike viruses, **worms** do not need a host file to spread. They propagate through networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in software, bypassing authentication to spread automatically.
- **Computer Worm** – A self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, consuming bandwidth and slowing down systems. Example: **ILOVEYOU Worm**.
Trojans (Trojan Horses)
**Trojans** disguise themselves as legitimate software but contain malicious payloads. Unlike viruses, they do not self-replicate but often serve as **a gateway for further infections**.
Types of Trojans:
- **Backdoor Trojan** – Grants an attacker remote access to the system. (See **Backdoors** above.)
- **Generic Trojan** – Pretends to be a useful program but actually steals data or downloads more malware.
Adware
**Adware** is software that displays unwanted advertisements, often collecting user data to serve targeted ads. While not always classified as malware, it can degrade system performance and invade privacy.
Types of Adware:
- **Ad-Supported Software** – Displays intrusive advertisements.
- **Tracking Cookies** – Monitors browsing activity to target users with specific ads.
Ransomware
**Ransomware** is a severe type of malware that encrypts user data and demands **payment (ransom) in exchange for decryption**.
Types of Ransomware:
- **Encrypting Ransomware** – Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption keys. Example: **WannaCry**.
- **Non-Encrypting Ransomware** – Locks users out of their systems and demands payment without encrypting files.
Rootkits
**Rootkits** are malware designed to gain **deep system-level access**, making them extremely difficult to detect and remove. They often work alongside **trojans or backdoors**.
Types of Rootkits:
- **User-Mode Rootkit** – Operates at the software level, injecting itself into processes or system modules. Runs in **Ring 3**.
- **Kernel-Mode Rootkit** – Gains **Ring 0** privileges, modifying the operating system and even hiding processes. These are extremely dangerous.
- **Bootkit** – Infects the **MBR, boot sectors, or firmware**, making removal complex.
- **Firmware Rootkit** – Persists by infecting device firmware (e.g., BIOS, UEFI), making traditional removal methods ineffective.
Keyloggers (Keystroke Loggers)
A **keylogger** is spyware that records keystrokes to **steal sensitive information** like passwords, banking details, and login credentials.
- **Software Keylogger** – Runs as a background process, logging keyboard inputs.
- **Hardware Keylogger** – A physical device attached to a computer that captures keystrokes.
Other Notes
- **Malware** is the umbrella term for any software intended to **harm, steal, or disrupt a system**.
- **Spyware** includes **Trojans, Adware, System Monitors, and Tracking Cookies** – all designed to collect user data.
- **The term "virus" is not synonymous with malware**; it is just one type of malware.
Conclusion
- Understanding malware types helps in **recognizing threats and improving cybersecurity**.
- Each type of malware has **unique behaviors and removal challenges**.
- Staying informed and using **trusted security tools** can **prevent infections**.
- **Regular backups, updates, and vigilance** are key to protecting against evolving threats.
By learning about malware, you can better protect yourself and others from cybersecurity threats.
Code:
[center][size=22][b]Infection Types Defined[/b][/size][/center]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Introduction[/b][/size]
The world of **computer malware** consists of numerous infection types. You may have encountered these terms in **antivirus scan results, security news, or technical reports**. This guide provides a **detailed overview** of these malware types, helping you understand their characteristics and impact.
While this serves as a foundational reference, it is encouraged that you **continue researching** to deepen your knowledge about malware threats and their removal techniques.
[hr]
[size=18][b]Backdoors[/b][/size]
A **backdoor** is a type of malware that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized administrative access to a system. Attackers use backdoors to **steal data, monitor activity, or remotely control a device**.
[size=16][b]Types of Backdoors:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **Backdoor Trojan** – Gains unauthorized administrative access, often modifying system components to remain undetected. These are difficult to remove entirely.
[*] **Backdoor Rootkit** – Injects itself into low-level system components, such as device drivers, hardware interfaces, or the Master Boot Record (MBR). These are among the hardest infections to detect and remove.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Viruses[/b][/size]
A **virus** is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting its code into other executable files or system components. Some viruses are **harmless**, while others cause significant system damage.
[size=16][b]Types of Viruses:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **File Infector Virus** – Attaches itself to executable files, spreading through the OS and damaging files. Examples: **Virut, Sality**.
[*] **Boot Sector Virus** – Infects the **MBR** or **boot sector**, making removal difficult without replacing system boot data.
[*] **Macro Virus** – Targets software like **Microsoft Office** by executing malicious macros when a document is opened.
[*] **Polymorphic Virus** – Changes its **code structure or encryption pattern** each time it infects a file, making detection harder.
[*] **Metamorphic Virus** – An advanced virus that **rewrites its own code** to avoid signature-based detection.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Worms[/b][/size]
Unlike viruses, **worms** do not need a host file to spread. They propagate through networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in software, bypassing authentication to spread automatically.
[list]
[*] **Computer Worm** – A self-replicating malware that spreads across networks, consuming bandwidth and slowing down systems. Example: **ILOVEYOU Worm**.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Trojans (Trojan Horses)[/b][/size]
**Trojans** disguise themselves as legitimate software but contain malicious payloads. Unlike viruses, they do not self-replicate but often serve as **a gateway for further infections**.
[size=16][b]Types of Trojans:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **Backdoor Trojan** – Grants an attacker remote access to the system. (See **Backdoors** above.)
[*] **Generic Trojan** – Pretends to be a useful program but actually steals data or downloads more malware.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Adware[/b][/size]
**Adware** is software that displays unwanted advertisements, often collecting user data to serve targeted ads. While not always classified as malware, it can degrade system performance and invade privacy.
[size=16][b]Types of Adware:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **Ad-Supported Software** – Displays intrusive advertisements.
[*] **Tracking Cookies** – Monitors browsing activity to target users with specific ads.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Ransomware[/b][/size]
**Ransomware** is a severe type of malware that encrypts user data and demands **payment (ransom) in exchange for decryption**.
[size=16][b]Types of Ransomware:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **Encrypting Ransomware** – Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption keys. Example: **WannaCry**.
[*] **Non-Encrypting Ransomware** – Locks users out of their systems and demands payment without encrypting files.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Rootkits[/b][/size]
**Rootkits** are malware designed to gain **deep system-level access**, making them extremely difficult to detect and remove. They often work alongside **trojans or backdoors**.
[size=16][b]Types of Rootkits:[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **User-Mode Rootkit** – Operates at the software level, injecting itself into processes or system modules. Runs in **Ring 3**.
[*] **Kernel-Mode Rootkit** – Gains **Ring 0** privileges, modifying the operating system and even hiding processes. These are extremely dangerous.
[*] **Bootkit** – Infects the **MBR, boot sectors, or firmware**, making removal complex.
[*] **Firmware Rootkit** – Persists by infecting device firmware (e.g., BIOS, UEFI), making traditional removal methods ineffective.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Keyloggers (Keystroke Loggers)[/b][/size]
A **keylogger** is spyware that records keystrokes to **steal sensitive information** like passwords, banking details, and login credentials.
[list]
[*] **Software Keylogger** – Runs as a background process, logging keyboard inputs.
[*] **Hardware Keylogger** – A physical device attached to a computer that captures keystrokes.
[/list]
[hr]
[size=18][b]Other Notes[/b][/size]
[list]
[*] **Malware** is the umbrella term for any software intended to **harm, steal, or disrupt a system**.
[*] **Spyware** includes **Trojans, Adware, System Monitors, and Tracking Cookies** – all designed to collect user data.
[*] **The term "virus" is not synonymous with malware**; it is just one type of malware.
[/list]
[hr]
[center][size=20][b]Conclusion[/b][/size][/center]
[list]
[*] Understanding malware types helps in **recognizing threats and improving cybersecurity**.
[*] Each type of malware has **unique behaviors and removal challenges**.
[*] Staying informed and using **trusted security tools** can **prevent infections**.
[*] **Regular backups, updates, and vigilance** are key to protecting against evolving threats.
[/list]
[center][b]By learning about malware, you can better protect yourself and others from cybersecurity threats.[/b][/center]