Viruses are malicious software programs that can replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another. They can attach themselves to other programs or files, and when those programs or files are opened, the virus is executed. Viruses can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Stealing personal information
- Deleting or corrupting files
- Disrupting computer operations
- Spreading to other computers
2. Worms
Worms are similar to viruses, but they do not need to attach themselves to other programs or files to spread. They can replicate themselves and spread through networks, without any user interaction. Worms can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Slowing down network traffic
- Causing Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
- Stealing personal information
- Deleting or corrupting files
3. Trojan horses
Trojan horses are malicious software programs that disguise themselves as legitimate software. When users install Trojan horses, they are unknowingly giving the attackers access to their computers. Trojan horses can be used to:
- Steal personal information
- Control the computer remotely
- Install other malware
- Launch attacks on other computers
Other types of malware include:
- Spyware: Software that collects information about your activities without your knowledge.
- Ransomware: Software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for decrypting them.
- Adware: Software that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer.