Threats, malware, and attack techniques

Malware

Malware (short for “malicious software”) is computer software designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware and spyware. In a malware attack, cybercriminals use email attachments, malicious websites, social engineering or software vulnerabilities to infect a computer system with malware. Malware can be used to steal sensitive information, take control of a system or deny system access until a ransom is paid (known as ransomware).