Malware
Malware is any software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to a system. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, and more. Detection relies on file hashes, behavioral signatures, and threat intelligence feeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malware?
Malware is any software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to a system. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, and more. Detection relies on file hashes, behavioral signatures, and threat intelligence feeds.
How is Malware related to Ransomware?
Malware and Ransomware are both key concepts in threat intelligence. Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim's files or systems and demands payment (usually cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Modern ransomware groups also exfiltrate data before encrypting and threaten to publish it — a tactic called double extortion.
Related Terms
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim's files or systems and demands payment (usually cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Modern ransomware groups also exfiltrate data before encrypting and threaten to publish it — a tactic called double extortion.
C2 (Command and Control)
A Command and Control server is infrastructure used by attackers to remotely control compromised hosts (a botnet) and deliver instructions, exfiltrate data, or push malware updates. Blocking C2 communications is one of the most effective ways to disrupt an active attack.
IOC (Indicator of Compromise)
An indicator of compromise is an indicator supported by evidence of compromise or malicious activity. Security teams use IOCs to detect, contain, and investigate threats; an arbitrary IP address, domain, URL, file hash, or email address is only an observable until evidence supports that promotion.
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