6 Types of Windows Malware - and how to remove them

Malware is a type of software that is specifically designed to damage or disable computers. There are many different types of malware, and new strains are created every day. However, there are some common types of malware that infect Windows computers. 

6 Types of Windows Malware:

Here are 6 types of malware to watch out for - and how to remove them.

Types of Windows Malware, Types of Malware
  1. Viruses
  2. Worms
  3. Trojans
  4. Spyware
  5. Adware
  6. Ransomware

The 6 Types of Windows Malware Explained:

1. Viruses:

A virus is a type of malware that replication itself by inserting its code into other programs or files on your computer. Viruses can delete files, corrupt data, and cause your computer to crash. To remove a virus from your computer, you will need to use an antivirus program to scan your computer for the virus and then remove it.

2. Worms:

A worm is a type of malware that spread itself by copying itself from one computer to another without the user’s knowledge or consent. Worms can often cause the same damage as viruses, such as deleting files or corrupting data. To remove a worm from your computer, you will need to use an antivirus program to scan your computer for the worm and then remove it.

3. Trojans:

A Trojan is a type of malware that masquerades as a legitimate program or file in order to trick the user into installing it on their computer. Once installed, Trojans can give hackers access to your computer so they can steal personal information or install other malicious software without your knowledge or consent. To remove a Trojan from your computer, you will need to use an antivirus program to scan your computer for the Trojan and then remove it.

4 Spyware:

Spyware is a type of malware that secretly gathers information about you without your permission or knowledge so that it can be used for marketing purposes or sold to third parties such as advertisers. Spyware can collect information such as passwords, internet surfing habits, and credit card numbers without the user’s knowledge or consent. To remove spyware from your computer, you will need to use an anti-spyware program to scan your computer for spyware and then remove it .

5 . Adware:

Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer. Adware can be bundled with free programs or downloaded from malicious websites. Some adware programs are so difficult to uninstall that they can only be removed by reinstalling Windows. To remove adware from your computer, you will need installation instructions from the developer or use an anti-adware program to scan your adware and then remove it .

6 . Ransomware:

Ransomware is a type of malware that puts a “ransom” demand on your screen in order to get payment (usually in cryptocurrency) from you in order to decrypt important files on your computer. In some cases, even if you do pay the ransom, the decryption key doesn’t work. To remove ransomware from your system, you will need special decryption software which can be found online. You should never pay the ransom as this just encourages criminals to continue using this technique. If you have backups of important files, you can restore them after removing the ransomware. If not, there is often no way to recover encrypted files .

Protecting Against Windows Malware - Prevention Is Key

The best way to protect yourself against malware is through prevention. By taking some simple steps, you can reduce the risk of getting infected :

  • Keep Your Operating System & Software Up-To-Date - One of the security features built into modern operating systems is protection against known vulnerabilities exploited by malware authors.
  • Use Reputable Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware Software  - This software runs in the background scanning files & activities.
  • Be Careful What You Download & Install - Download only from trusted sources.
  • Don't Open Email Attachments From Unknown Senders -  These attachments could contain malicious software.
  • Don't Click On Links In Emails From Unknown Senders - These links could take you to websites containing malicious software.
  • Keep Your Personal Information Private - When asked for personal information online, make sure the website is secure.

Conclusion:

Malware is a serious threat to any Windows user's computer security & privacy protection but there are steps you take to avoid becoming infected in the first place If do find yourself with malware on your system, take action right away using the instructions provided In most cases, important thing remember is have recent backup all important files so it happens, don't lose sleep over losing them

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