Malware
From Computing and Software Wiki
Malicious software (malware) encompasses a broad range of software typically designed to covertly operate and deceive users to hide its actual intended purpose. It can be used as a catch-all phrase for software that has been programmed for malicious purposes intentionally; software such as viruses, worms, spyware, and botnets. Its purpose can vary, but typically it is used to gather information, generate profit, cause harm or data loss, or it could have no real purpose at all.
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History
Before computers were accessible to the general public, malware was not an overwhelming threat. Starting sometime in the 1970's computers became somewhat more common, and as a direct result, so did malicious software. At this time, viruses started to appear on networks such as ARPANET, gaining popularity into the 1980's with the explosion of person computers. Early malware was typically less of a threat, created by programmers who were trying to prank other users, rather than the typical malware created for todays society.
Purpose
There are numerous reasons why malware is written.
Obtaining sensitive information
Malware can be used to gather sensitive information. With the recent expansion of mobile computing, malware authors are targeting mobile computers, such as smart phones, because of the amount of sensitive information contained within them.
Obtaining financial returns
Malware can be used to generate illicit revenues, usually by hijacking ad revenues or using previously mentioned sensitive information.
Cause harm or data loss
Blurb about typical viruses
No real purpose
Blurb about some malware purpose is just to see how well it works, having no purpose at all
- Viruses
Types
Typically malware is a combination of several distinct types.
Infectious
- Viruses, Worms
Hidden
- Trojan horses
Deceptive
- Adware, Spyware
