Malware Types
A program that attaches itself to files and spreads when the files are shared.
What is a Virus?
Clicking this in a suspicious email is a common way to accidentally download malware.
What is a malicious link?
Your computer suddenly becomes very slow or programs take ages to open.
What is slow performance (possible sign of malware)?
Software you install to scan for and remove malware.
What is antivirus (or antimalware)?
This 2017 ransomware attack affected hospitals and businesses worldwide.
What is WannaCry?
Software that pretends to be useful but hides harmful code and can steal info.
What is a trojan?
Malware can come bundled with free programs downloaded from untrusted websites; these are called this.
What is bundled software (or untrusted downloads)?
You see pop-up ads constantly even when your browser is closed.
What is adware?
Keeping your OS and apps updated helps protect against malware that uses holes in old software.
What is installing updates / patching?
An early worm named after its creator that caused widespread disruption in 1988.
What is the Morris Worm?
This malware makes copies of itself and spreads across networks without needing a host file.
What is a worm?
When malware jumps between computers on the same network without human help.
What is a worm spread(or network propagation)?
Files won’t open and have strange extensions; a message demands payment.
What is ransomware?
A copy of your files kept in a safe place to restore from after an attack.
What is a backup?
A famous virus spread by email in 2000 that used the subject “ILOVEYOU.”
What is the ILOVEYOU virus?
This type locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them.
What is ransomware?
An attacker tricks you into giving info by pretending to be someone trusted in an email.
What is phishing?
Contacts get messages you didn’t send, or your account shows unfamiliar activity.
What is account hacking (or possible sign of spyware/Trojans)?
The safest immediate action if a suspicious email asks for your password.
What is don’t click, verify sender, and report it?
This type of attack encrypts files and often asks for payment in Bitcoin.
What is ransomware?
Software that secretly records your activity (like keystrokes) to capture passwords.
What is spyware (or a keylogger)?
Malware delivered by hiding inside a seemingly normal USB drive or file.
What is malicious removable media (or infected USB /drive-by download)?
Network traffic spikes or many devices slow down at once — something is spreading.
What is network infection / worm outbreak?
A step-by-step plan for restoring systems after a major malware event.
What is a disaster recovery plan?
A trojan commonly used to steal online banking information in the 2010s.
What is a trojan?