What is malware and how cybercriminals use it | McAfee (2024)

FAQs

What is malware and how cybercriminals use it | McAfee? ›

Malware is software that is installed on a computer without the user's consent and that performs malicious actions, such as stealing passwords or money. There are many ways to detect malware, but the most common is to scan the computer for malicious files or programs.

“Malware” is a shortened version of the words malicious software. It is defined as: a generic term used to describe any type of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer/mobile device or the data it contains, without consent. Most malware is designed to have some financial gain for the cybercriminal.

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals (often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems.

Malware, or malicious software, is any software designed with the purpose of corrupting or subverting the target computer.

While this is still true for some, most people who create malware do so for purely criminal purposes such as destroying files, glean personal and financial information, espionage, and many other illegal activities.

Some cybercriminals use malware to gain initial access to a device and provide them with backdoor access to install more harmful types of malware. They often use Trojans to gain unauthorized access to a device, which allows them to install more malware without the victim's knowledge.

Malware can use known software vulnerabilities to infect your PC. A vulnerability is like a hole in your software that can give malware access to your PC. When you go to a website, it can try to use vulnerabilities in your web browser to infect your PC with malware.

Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service or network. Cybercriminals typically use it to extract data that they can leverage over victims for financial gain.

Malware is short for malicious software. It is any type of software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. Trojans, viruses, worms, ransomware, and other threats fall into the category of malware. Good malware protection begins with effective antimalware software.

Malware (short for “malicious software”) is a file or code, typically delivered over a network, that infects, explores, steals or conducts virtually any behavior an attacker wants. And because malware comes in so many variants, there are numerous methods to infect computer systems.

Is malware a virus? ›

No, malware is not a virus. Malware is a type of software that is designed to cause harm to a computer or its users. Viruses are a specific type of malware that can spread from one computer to another.

Spyware is one type of malicious software (malware) that collects information from a computing system without your consent. Spyware can capture keystrokes, screenshots, authentication credentials, personal email addresses, web form data, internet usage habits, and other personal information.

Conversely, malware detection is a set of defensive techniques and technologies required to identify, block and prevent the harmful effects of malware. This protective practice consists of a wide body of tactics, amplified by various tools based on the type of malware that infected the device.

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

Malware can steal your information, make your device send SMS messages to premium rate text services, or install adware that forces you to view web pages or download apps. Info stealers can steal your contact list, your personal information, your location, your passwords, and more.

When you run McAfee Malware Cleaner, it does the following: Takes a snapshot of your PC before you make any changes, so that you can undo any changes later. Removes malware, adware, and other types of threats. Resets your browser to its default settings.

The correct answer is anti-virus software. It is an anti-virus software. Antivirus is a kind of software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from a computer.

Their comprehensive tests show that McAfee Total Protection performs exceptionally well in various situations (real-world protection, malware protection, performance). For example, the most recent Malware Protection Test revealed a very high 99.95% score.

Unlike Malwarebytes, which primarily focuses on malware protection, McAfee offers a broad spectrum of security features. These range from antivirus and antimalware capabilities to a robust firewall, data loss prevention and identity protection.