Malware

What is malware?

Malware is software intentionally created to harm, exploit, or control a device or system without the owner’s consent. It can spread through phishing emails, infected downloads, malicious websites, removable media, or compromised credentials. Malware can steal data, encrypt files for ransom, disrupt operations, or create backdoors for attackers.

Why is malware dangerous?

Malware is one of the most common and damaging cyber threats because it enables data theft, fraud, and espionage, encrypts or destroys files to cause downtime and financial loss, creates persistent access for attackers to exploit, spreads rapidly across networks, cloud environments, and endpoints, and evades traditional defenses with advanced techniques.

What are the main types of malware?

• Viruses: Malicious code that attaches to files and spreads when they are executed.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks without user action.
• Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software but contain malicious code.
• Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.
• Spyware: Secretly collects user activity, keystrokes, or sensitive data.
• Adware: Delivers intrusive ads and may redirect user traffic.
• Rootkits: Hide malicious activity by gaining deep system control.

How does malware work?

Malware typically follows a cycle:

• Infection: Delivered via phishing, malicious links, drive-by downloads, or USB devices.
• Execution: Activates malicious code on the system.
• Persistence: Installs backdoors or modifies settings to remain active.
• Exfiltration/Impact: Steals, encrypts, or manipulates data; disrupts operations.
• Propagation: Spreads laterally to other devices or networks.

Use Cases

• Healthcare: Targets electronic health records and medical devices with ransomware, risking patient safety and HIPAA compliance.
• Financial Services: Injects malware into banking systems or endpoints to steal credentials and execute fraudulent transactions.
• Government & Legal: Used in espionage campaigns to steal classified documents or disrupt critical infrastructure.
• Cloud & SaaS Providers: Exploits vulnerable applications and APIs to deploy malware at scale in multi-tenant environments.

How Netwrix can help

Netwrix helps organizations defend against malware by combining visibility, identity-first security, and layered protection within its full security suite. With Netwrix, organizations can:

• Detect and block abnormal activity linked to malware infections.
• Restrict removable media and prevent unauthorized file transfers.
• Enforce least privilege to reduce malware’s ability to spread.
• Monitor sensitive data for suspicious access or exfiltration attempts.

This unified approach ensures faster detection, containment, and recovery from malware incidents.

FAQs

Suggested Resources

• Ransomware Prevention Best Practices
• How to Prevent Malware Attacks from Impacting Your Business
• Netwrix Solutions