How Does Malware Negatively Affect Your Computer?

Malware is used to describe any harmful software that prevents your computer or electronic device from operating normally. It can infect everything from equipment to cellphones.

Whether you are a novice computer user struggling to send an email or a pro writing code, you are undoubtedly familiar with the term malware. Malware is used to describe any harmful software that prevents your computer or electronic device from operating normally. It can infect everything from equipment to cellphones. The first malware was in the form of computer viruses, but today it has come a long way. Why is malware so dangerous and how can it negatively affect your computer?

How Does Malware Work?

Malware gets into your computer by deceiving you into downloading and installing a program that is malicious. Many times they will be hidden on a website or named something less-than-nefarious. Once you install the application, the code or application can do any variety of things including self-replicating, installing applications to capture keystrokes, block access to files or the system itself, spam your desktop with ads you cannot close quickly enough, or even breaking system components and your entire computer. Malware protection is incredibly crucial to protecting your network and information.

What Types of Malware Exist?

Malware can encompass many different types of applications depending on the goal of the developer. Here are some of the most common types of malware and what they typically do:

• Computer virus—These are very common types of malware that typically replicate themselves from one file to another. They can be malicious or simply a malicious nuisance.
• Trojan horses—These typically pretend to be harmless programs but damage the device they are downloaded onto once activated. They typically attempt to steal passwords or files from the user.
• Worms—Worms try to spread across networks to do widespread damage, unlike viruses that typically stay put on one computer.
• Spyware—Spyware is typically difficult to find for the computer illiterate and monitors user activity to get information, whether it is what sites you are going to, your passwords, or every word you type.
• Logic bombs—These are often hidden within seemingly harmless programs and can be randomly triggered or triggered by something that you do. They often crash entire systems or wipe hard drives.

Protection from Malware from SOS Technology Group

Whether you are looking to try new security options in your office or seeking a new surveillance system for your commercial space, SOS Technology Group has the expertise and equipment to keep you safe and secure around the clock. SOS Technology Group is a full-service IT consulting company that provides IT services and solutions for businesses throughout the United States. If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 559-7020. For more technology tips, follows us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.