What is malware?

Whether you find the anti-virus program or search the web, the term malware appears everywhere. In this practical tip, we explain what that actually is.

What is malware?

Malware is a collective term for programs that have been developed to harm users. There are numerous sub-types of malware - for example, viruses, Trojans, rootkits or spyware. All work differently and have different tasks. However, they have one goal in common: to harm you.

How do you catch malware?

• Malware can lurk practically anywhere - whether on the web when surfing, opening a download or an email attachment or connecting a USB stick. You rarely notice that your own PC has been infected - unless your anti-virus software has averted the danger.
• Even if there are dangers everywhere, you do not have to unplug the network cable and stop surfing. With the necessary software and a critical look at websites, downloads and emails, you don't have to worry.

How do you protect yourself from malware?

• Anti-virus software: The key to protecting against viruses is an anti-virus program that always receives updates. So you are protected against the latest viruses. Good and free software is available from Avira, Avast, AVG, Comodo and BitDefender.
• Firewall: The firewall is already activated by default under Windows. It controls all incoming and outgoing connections and blocks them in the event of abnormalities.
• Updates: To keep your system and your programs safe, you should always use the latest updates for Windows installed and only the latest versions of your programs.

What types of malware are there?

• Virus: A virus consists of just one file that contains malicious code. It infiltrates the virus into a program, usually makes it unusable and then tries to spread it further.
• Trojan horse : The Trojan horse is also known as a Trojan horse because the user installs a supposedly useful program, which, however, creates a threat. In this way, other types of malware are usually introduced.
• Adware: The adware is the most harmless form of virus, because it does no real damage to your system. It usually nests in the browser as a toolbar or add-on and tries to display advertisements and influence your surfing behavior.
• Spyware: The spyware collects sensitive data that you save on your computer or enter during online banking. The information is then sent to the spyware creator.
• Worm: A worm works similarly to a virus, but primarily does not affect any programs. Worms are more likely to target storage media such as USB sticks and external hard drives.
• Rootkit: A rootkit usually reaches the PC via other malware, such as a Trojan, and allows the creator to access certain parts of your system.
• Backdoor: These "back doors" are infiltrated by other malware and also allow the creator permanent access to your system.
• Exploit: An exploit takes advantage of security vulnerabilities in the system or in programs and can even control the entire PC.
• Keylogger: They document every keystroke on your keyboard. For example, if you enter your account number and PIN in online banking, the keylogger sends the data to its creator.
• Ransomware: This type of malware uses software to block parts of your system and quasi ransom for the release.
• Rogueware, also called scareware, is software that pretends to be a virus scanner, for example. After the alleged discovery of numerous viruses, the program requires the purchase of the full version to remove the fictitious dangers.
• Fileless malware: As the name suggests, this malware is not files that are stored on the hard drive. Fileless malware is only in the RAM of your PC. The malware is used to download additional malware to the computer.
• Crypto-Miner: Crypto-Miner use your computer to mine cryptocurrencies. Since the malware uses your resources to do this, your PC becomes very slow.

We explain to you in this practical tip how exactly a virus works.