What Is Malware?
What is malware? Well, it stands for “malicious software.” Any program installed on your computer, without your consent, and designed to either harm your computer or steal your information is considered malware.
Now days, everyone seems to be concerned about computer security, keeping their computer safe from malicious programs. And this isn’t just groundless paranoia, either. It’s hard not to hear all of the horror stories out there about computers crashing and losing all of the important information on them. Or identities being stolen. Or even worse.
Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from malware. But, first, you have to know what kinds of malware you need to watch out for.
Keyloggers
Most of us go to a lot of trouble to protect our information when surfing online. Just think of all of the precautions you take. Unfortunately, that information isn’t always safe, especially when keyloggers are involved. A keylogger makes a log of every keystroke you make while using your computer. These keystrokes can then be used to figure out your personal information. What kinds of information? Well, among other things, your passwords, credit card numbers, and the numbers you use for your bank accounts.
Trojan horse Programs
We all know the story of the Trojan horse, and Trojan horse programs work in the same way. This kind of malware can install a backdoor on your computer, which can transmit your information to another computer. Many victims of identity theft probably had a Trojan horse unknowingly installed on their computer at one time or another.
Viruses
Viruses are probably the most commonly known type of malware. Like the viruses that can make humans sick, viruses replicate themselves, and can make your computer sick. Among other things, viruses can eat up your computer system resources, causing it to freeze and crash.
So what is malware? It’s any program that either harms your computer, or is used to monitor your personal information. And, now that you know what it is, you know how truly important it is to protect yourself, and your computer.
