Malware And The Dangers That Internet Users Encounter With It

Software that has been designed to infect, infiltrate, or damage a computer’s operating system is called malicious software, or “malware” for short. Characteristically, malware can be very annoying, hostile, and intrusive. It is most commonly referred to as a virus. This is a misconception since not all malware is classified as a virus. The perceived intentions of the individual creating malware is what defines it rather than the actual “features” of it. Malware encompasses all of the following elements:

computer viruses
dishonest Adware
rootkits
Spyware
Trojans
worms

In addition to the above, any software that is malicious or unwanted can be classified as malware. However, it should not be confused with defective software containing “bugs.” In some US states (e.g. California and West Virginia), malware is defined as a computer “contaminant” in their legal codes.

Today, the harsh reality is that there is a great deal of computer code out there that may in fact be considered malicious in nature. This past year (2012) witnessed a number of different types of malware that affected millions of internet users worldwide. In fact, 2012 was viewed as the worst year for malware in the history of the internet. As a result, cyber espionage and terrorism reached an all-time level this past year.

The major stories about malware attacks occurred worldwide and were not exclusive to internet users here in the US. Some of the most vicious versions included the following:

Flame and Gauss Malware – this particular version arose out of the answers that were found regarding Wiper Malware (see below). It was extremely complex and capable of deploying very devastating attacks.

Flashback Malware – there were an estimated 700,000 Mac PC’s affected by this particular type. Not only was it the first attack on Mac’s, it was the biggest that has been witnessed to date. Those Mac users that did not employ effective security measures were affected more than any other internet user.

Wiper Malware – responsible for cyber attacks that occurred in the oil producing nation’s of the Middle East. Oil platform computer networks and systems were victimized time and again by this breed of malware. Unfortunately, it was never profiled because it was not found until the damage had been done.

On a closing note, Symantec sensors indicated this past year that the rate at which malware and other types of unwanted programs are released is now exceeding that of the legitimate software applications.

Learn more about the Dangers Of Malware that internet users encounter with it at the MySiteGotHacked.com.au website.