Types of malware

Viruses, worms, Trojan horse, keyloggers, rootkits, spyware and other malicious programs  are all part of a
class of software called malware.There are many different classes of malware that have varying ways of infecting systems and propagating themselves. Let divide these malwares into groups according to their threats and the way they operates.


Trojans and Rootkits - The threat in disguise
Trojan and rootkits are group together because they are malicious program in disguise, they appear as something normal, or desirable, users may willfully install it without realizing it. Trojan horse is any program that invites the user to run it, concealing harmful or malicious code. User download them thinking they will get a useful piece of software and instead end up with a malware infected computer. Rootkits are different they are a masking techniques for malware, but do not contain damaging software. Rootkit techniques were invented by virus writers to conceal malware, so it could go unnoticed by antivirus detection and removal programs.

Viruses and Worms - The contagious threat
Viruses and worms are defined by their mode of operation. They are malicious software designed to spread without the user's knowledge. A virus infects legitimate software and when this software is used by the computer owners (the victims) it spread the virus. Computer worms, unlike the virus, worms does not need to attach itself to an existing software program. Worm spread without user action.

Spyware and Keyloggers - the financial threat
Spyware and Keyloggers are malware programs that aids in gathering information about a person or organization. They are threat designed to steal money from unknowing computer users, businesses and banks and many other attacks like phishing, social engineering and so on.