What is malware?

Malware is malicious software, including any software that acts against the interest of the user. Malware can affect not only the infected computer or device but potentially any other device the infected device can communicate with.

Malware spans everything from the simplest computer worms and trojans to the most complex computer viruses. Malware, viruses, and malicious code are relatives but not the same, so only one kind of antivirus software or anti-malware software may not prevent all threats. It can exist on desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices—and depending on which operating system a device uses (Windows, Android, iOS, or Apple MacOS) malware can attack and present differently. No device is always immune, and most devices—whether they are professional or personal—can benefit from malware protection.

Effective IT security can reduce your organization’s exposure to malware attacks. Common cybersecurity practices include patch management to close vulnerabilities on your systems and access control to limit the harm from malware. Additionally, frequent backups of your data isolated from your main production systems will allow you to quickly and safely recover from a malware infection.

Manage security and compliance risk on open source Linux

Imagine you work in an average office. You come in one morning, set down your coffee and turn on your computer. Then everything starts to go wrong.

Instead of your desktop, you see a blood-red screen with a padlock and a countdown clock. "Your files have been encrypted," it says. "If you don’t pay in 7 days, you won’t be able to recover your files." You look around. One by one, your coworkers are discovering the same message on all of their computers. Every computer.

This scenario played out in workplaces around the world in May 2017, as the WannaCry malware attacked businesses, government offices, and even critical public services such as hospitals.

Not all malware announces itself in a dramatic fashion. You might be running malicious programs you don’t even know are there, but which slow down your system or violate your privacy. Cybercriminals often design these programs to evade detection and only perform noticeable activities under precise conditions.

You might not be able to stop malware, but you can lower the odds of it disrupting your operations by staying informed and maintaining sensible security practices.