Malware, or malicious software, is a category of computer programs designed to cause damage, steal data, or disrupt the operation of computer systems. In this article, we’ll take a close look at what malware is, the different types of malware, and how you can protect yourself against these threats.
What is malware ?
The term “malware” is a contraction of the words “malicious software”. It refers to any form of software designed with the intention of damaging, disrupting, or exploiting a computer system, often without the user’s consent. Malware can take many forms, including viruses, ransomware, spyware and more.
Types of malware.
Viruses : A type of malware that spreads by infecting other files or programs and spreading from system to system.
Worms : Autonomous malware that spreads by exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and duplicating itself to infect other machines.
Spyware : Malware designed to spy on a user’s activities, such as keystrokes, screenshots, or recording conversations.
Adware : malware that displays unwanted advertisements on infected computers.
Ransomware : Malware that encrypts a user’s data and then demands a ransom in exchange for its restoration.
How to protect yourself from malware ?
To protect yourself against malware, it is imperative to adopt good IT security practices. This includes the use of security software such as antivirus and anti-malware programs. Additionally, it is crucial to keep all installed software, including the operating system, up to date by installing the latest security patches available. Being vigilant online is also essential: it is recommended to be wary of emails, links and attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources, as well as to avoid visiting suspicious websites, especially those offering downloads. pirated software or illegal content. Finally, performing regular backups of important data on external media or in the cloud helps protect against data loss in the event of malware infection, thus constituting an essential additional security measure.
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