Malware

Short for "malicious software," malware is any program or code designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system. This is an umbrella term that includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more.

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If your computer or phone is behaving badly (files encrypted, browser full of pop-ups, system slow and acting weird), malware could be the cause.

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Malware can steal data, spy on users, disrupt operations, or give attackers a foothold in your network. It usually sneaks in through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or infected USB drives. For example, a user might unknowingly download a trojan (malware disguised as a legitimate application) that gives hackers remote access to that computer.

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Protecting against malware involves multiple layers: keeping systems updated (to patch vulnerabilities malware exploits), running reputable antivirus/anti-malware software to detect and remove known malware, being cautious with email attachments and downloads, and using network defenses like firewalls.

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If malware is discovered on a system, it's important to act quickly - isolate the machine (take it off the network), run scans/cleaners, and assess what data or systems might have been affected.