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Glossary Security

Malware

Malware is any software designed to harm a device or steal from its user, including viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware and trojans.

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In more detail

It usually arrives through Phishing attachments, malicious downloads or unpatched vulnerabilities. Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment; a trojan poses as something useful; spyware watches silently. Good habits: keep systems updated, install software only from trusted sources, keep offline backups and run reputable security software.

See also

  • Glossary Phishing
    Phishing is a scam in which attackers pose as a trusted organisation or person, usually by email or text.
  • Glossary Zero-day
    A zero-day is a vulnerability unknown to the software's maker, or without an available fix.
  • Glossary Vulnerability
    A vulnerability is a weakness in software, hardware or a process that an attacker could exploit to do something unintended.
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