Malware attacks are a big threat to cybersecurity, and they can do a lot of damage to both people and businesses. Malware is any software that is meant to get into a computer system without the user's permission or cause damage to it.
A virus is a common type of malware. A virus is a program that can copy itself and spread from one computer to another. Viruses can do a lot of damage to a system. For example, they can delete files or even make the whole system useless.
Trojans are another type of malware. A Trojan is a program that looks like it should be safe but has hidden malicious code. Trojans can be used to get unauthorized access to a system or to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.
Spyware is another type of malicious software that is made to steal information from a computer without the user's knowledge. This information can include personal information, the sites you've visited, and even the keys you've pressed.
Malware can spread when you open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files from MS Office. Malware can be added to these documents in a number of ways, such as through macros, embedded objects, or links to malicious websites. With macro-enabled documents, malware is often spread through MS Office documents. Small programs called "macros" can be used to automate repetitive tasks in Microsoft Office. They can also be used to send malware to a victim's computer.
Malware can sometimes be set up so that it spreads to other files on the computer or network. This lets it infect more systems. This kind of malware is called a "macro virus" or "macro malware" by many people.
Malware attacks like the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 that infected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries and caused billions of dollars in damage are real-life examples. The 2013 Target data breach is another example. Hackers used malware to steal the credit and debit card information of more than 40 million customers.
Malware attacks can be stopped by making sure your computer's security software is up to date and not downloading files or software from sources you don't trust. Also, be careful when opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails, as these can be used to put malware on your computer. By taking these steps, you can help prevent malware attacks on your computer and your personal information.
