Common Types of Destructive Software

Destructive Software

• Destructive malware is malicious software that can render affected systems inoperable and challenge reconstitution.
• Most destructive malware variants cause destruction through the deletion or wiping of critical files necessary for the operating system's ability to run.

Types of Destructive Software

• Viruses
• File viruses
• System sector viruses
• Macro viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Logic bombs
• Spyware

Damages Caused by Viruses

• Viruses can damage programs, delete files, and reformat or erase hard drives, resulting in reduced performance or crashing systems entirely.
• Hackers can use viruses to access personal information, steal, or destroy data.

Characteristics of Malware

• Malware is any program or file intentionally harmful to a computer, network, or server.
• Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware.

How Viruses Work

• Viruses execute when an infected program is executed, infecting other programs with copies of itself or damaging programs and data.
• Trojans contain malicious code that, when triggered, cause loss or theft of data.
• The main purpose of a worm is to self-replicate and propagate across the network.

Virus Protection

• Virus protection software is designed to prevent viruses, worms, and Trojan horses from getting onto a computer and remove malicious software code that has already infected a computer.
• Most virus protection utilities now bundle anti-spyware and anti-malware capabilities with anti-virus protection.

Importance of Antivirus Software

• Data breaches have increased by 68% in 2021, putting personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, and bank account information at risk.
• Cyberattacks on companies can be costly, with an average cost of $4.24 million in 2021.
• Installing the right antivirus software can help prevent becoming a future statistic.