6 Most Common Types of Malware in 2022

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Because of the pandemic, companies switched to work-from-home models, education went online, and people generally doubled their digital presence. Even with the pandemic behind us, the benefits of remote work and studying are far too great to go back to how everything was pre-pandemic. 

With so many people online, we can also observe a rise in cybersecurity threats, aka malware. 

So, let’s talk about the most common types of malware in 2022. After all, being aware of the current threats is the best way to avoid them. Let’s dig in! 

  1. Viruses  

The term virus is often used synonymously with malware, but in the world of cybersecurity, a virus is a specific type of malware. 

A computer virus can modify a file in your system and infect it with malicious code. These infected files can infect other computers if a connection is made. Similar to real biological viruses, a computer virus will replicate itself, infecting other machines. 

However, since the virus relies on direct communication between machines, infections are not as common. 

  1. Ransomware 

As the name suggests, ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your files by encrypting them. After your files are under encryption, the hacker will offer you the decryption key in exchange for money. 

The issue is – you can’t know whether you’ll actually get your files back, even if you pay the ransom. 

The best thing you can do (besides overall caution) is – make regular backups of your data. This way, you can pull fresh copies from your backup without needing the hacker to give you back your data. 

  1. Spyware 

Spyware won’t damage your computer in a traditional sense. Instead, once it settles, a spyware program will spy on everything you do, sending that info to the spyware provider. 

Spyware can sometimes lead to leaked email credentials, financial and credit card info, etc.

The best defense against spyware is to be extra careful about the apps you install. Spyware is often shrouded in shady terms and conditions, so read twice before you click “I agree”. 

  1. Adware 

Adware may be one of the most annoying (and mostly legal) malware out there. It is a piece of software that fills your screen with advertisements. The adware distributor gets the ad revenue while you get an obstructed view of your screen. Additionally, the adware can eat up a sizable chunk of your computer’s resources, making everything run slower. 

This type of malware is usually removed through antimalware software (if it’s extra stubborn), or you can do it manually. However, going through app files and deleting the adware app can be difficult. You can prevent an adware infection by being cautious and by googling suspicious apps before installing them.  

  1. Botnets 

Bots and botnets are not exclusively related to DDoS attacks anymore. Since bots are used to automate work, a malicious and stealthy bot can do all sorts of things. 

Bots can click on ads on their own, generating ad revenue for the scammer. They can also collect email addresses online and spam them. And, of course, there’s always the risk of a DDoS attack. 

  1. Keyloggers 

Keyloggers are all about grabbing your keyboard input. Everything you type, the keylogger records. Sooner or later, you’ll type in your login credentials, bank account info, or even social security number, and sophisticated keylogger malware will be able to identify what is what. 

How to avoid malware? 

As scary as malware may be, there are many things you can do to avoid getting your device infected. Here are some of the most effective: 

  • Use encryption software, which will make it difficult for outsiders to gain access to your information. 
  • Use antimalware software and perform regular scans. 
  • Use a firewall to filter all of your traffic and detect possible malware. 
  • Have a good backup to ensure you can retrieve your files in case a hacker steals them. 

As long as you’re familiar with the most common types of malware and follow the most basic cybersecurity tips, you should be able to keep yourself and your data safe. The most important thing is to stay vigilant and be suspicious of anything out of the ordinary!