Question

What is malware? Briefly describe four different kinds of malware.

Answer 1

Malware is malicious software that can cause harm to a computer system. Four different kinds of malware are viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware.

Step-by-step explanation:

Malware is a term used to describe malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. Here are four different kinds of malware:

1. Virus: A computer virus is a program that can replicate itself and infect other software or files. It can spread by attaching itself to a host file and executing its malicious code when the infected file is opened.
2. Worm: Worms are standalone programs that can replicate themselves and spread across networks. Unlike viruses, worms do not rely on user interaction to spread. They can exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols to infect other devices.
3. Trojan: A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program or file. It tricks users into installing or executing it, often leading to unauthorized access or data theft.
4. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files or locks their device, rendering it unusable. The attacker demands a ransom to restore access or decrypt the files.