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Day 3. Scenario-Based Security > Malware Types
Malware Types
Malware is a huge contributor to the business of cyberattacks used by “hacktivist” groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec and also provide the means by which large criminal organizations can gain control of vast groups of computers to use in defrauding online merchants.
A good article on this topic is found at http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20077501-83/anonymous-lulzsec-spawn-one-of-worst-quarters/.
The number of threats currently “in the wild” is astronomical, and listing each and every one would take up more space than we have available. However, malware does fall into a few select categories you need to be aware of.
Adware
This is malware that is designed to force you to be exposed to product advertisements whether you want to be or not. Whenever you download software onto your computer that’s considered “free,” it actually contains ads to pay for the cost. Strictly speaking, this isn’t illegal, but sometimes the adware is installed on your computer without your knowledge, and then it manifests as really annoying browser pop-ups that are notoriously difficult to get rid of.
