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Malware is a catch-all term which refers to a range of software
programs that have a malicious intent towards the host computer.
The scale and purpose of malware varies widely. Some fairly
harmless malware programs will simple aim to record browsing
habits; other more serious programs will aim to steal user
details and gain semi or full control of the host computer.
Some of the most well known malware programs include the
following,
- Adware
- Rootkits
- Trojan horse
- Viruses
- Worms
It is somewhat difficult to categorise malware as it is continually
expanding, and has led some security experts to speculate
that more malware is developed per year than legal software.
The less serious Malware (records browsing habits etc) is
sometimes referred to as Grayware.
As Internet usage has increased year on year, so has the
proliferation of Malware. Malware is most commonly transferred
via electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and when attached
or integrated into apparently legitimate software programs.
The good news is that there is a plethora of software applications
which aim to combat and protect against Malware. Most anti-vrirus
programs have expanded into malware protection.
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