malware
Hostile computer code
Malware is software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
The term covers viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious programs: The IT department detected malware on several company laptops.
Short for "malicious software."
Limbless soil invertebrate
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- backdoorHidden bypass mechanism
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
scareware · crimeware · logic bomb · RAT · dropper · downloader · macro virus · browser hijacker
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- cyberespionageComputer-based intelligence gathering
- blackmailCoercion through damaging threats
extortion · skimming · carding · money mule · dark web · cryptojacking · bank fraud · wire fraud
Breaking of agreement
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- encryptionConverting data into code
- ransomPayment for captive's release
- downtimePeriod of non-operation
data loss · financial loss · privacy violation · denial of service · unauthorized access · backdoor access · surveillance
Notable act or abuse
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- malvertisingHarmful code in ads
- payloadCarried freight or charge
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
obfuscation · packing · social engineering · spoofing · man-in-the-middle · privilege escalation · persistence · lateral movement
Malware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- detectionAct of finding something
- preventionStopping something before occurring
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
removal · remediation · patch · intrusion detection · sandboxing · signature · heuristics · behavioral analysis
To distribute widely
- propagationAct of spreading widely
- vectorQuantity with direction
- transmissionSending of information
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
email attachment · self-replicating · dropper · watering hole · supply chain attack · contagion · infestation
worm
Limbless soil invertebrate
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- rootkitHidden unauthorized access software
- backdoorHidden bypass mechanism
botnet · scareware · crimeware · logic bomb · RAT · dropper · downloader · macro virus · browser hijacker · riskware
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- cyberespionageComputer-based intelligence gathering
blackmail · extortion · skimming · carding · money mule · dark web · cryptojacking · bank fraud · wire fraud · cybercriminal
breach
Breaking of agreement
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- encryptionConverting data into code
- ransomPayment for captive's release
data loss · downtime · financial loss · privacy violation · denial of service · unauthorized access · backdoor access · surveillance
exploit
Notable act or abuse
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- malvertisingHarmful code in ads
- payloadCarried freight or charge
injection · obfuscation · packing · social engineering · spoofing · man-in-the-middle · privilege escalation · persistence · lateral movement · command and control
antivirus
Malware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- detectionAct of finding something
- preventionStopping something before occurring
quarantine · removal · remediation · patch · intrusion detection · sandboxing · signature · heuristics · behavioral analysis · reverse engineering
spread
To distribute widely
- propagationAct of spreading widely
- vectorQuantity with direction
- transmissionSending of information
outbreak · email attachment · self-replicating · dropper · watering hole · supply chain attack · contagion · infestation
- spamspam, junk mail, spam filter, spam folder, bulk mail
- warehardware, kitchenware, tableware, glassware, silverware
- cybersecurityantivirus, firewall, firewalls, encryption, credentials
- cybercrimeshacking, phishing, data breach, identity theft, cyberstalking
- Cyberthreatsphishing, hacking, viruses, worms, botnets
- resource hogsmemory leak, bloatware, chrome, browser tabs, virtual machines
malwareantivirus software
Malware detection program
antimalware · security software · cybersecurity tools · anti-spyware · virus protection
- malware attackHostile software infiltration
- malware scannerProgram detecting malicious software
- malware scanInspection for harmful programs
- malware defenseProtection from hostile software
- malware removalDeleting harmful programs
- malware scanningInspecting systems for threats
malice, software, malicious, malign, malevolence, malignant, malevolent, adware, malignancy