How Malware Works

What is Malware?

Malware, short for malicious software, is mostly created by criminals to steal personal information from computers or by hackers who are searching for fame by taking down a computer or disrupting a computer's operating system. While most of the perpetrators are usually looking for financial gain, a few just want to prove their skills by gaining access to sensitive information or by disrupting a large entity, such as a bank and/or governmental agency.

Malware is a malicious set of programming code embedded in a download or an email. It goes to work once the file is opened or executed. Malware includes:

Viruses
Ransomware
Malicious BHOs
Spyware

Worms
Trojans
Rootkits
Keyloggers

Dialers
Adware
Rogue Security Software (often embedded in Toolbars)

How Can I Protect Against Malware?

STOPzilla AntiMalware uses one of the largest malware threat databases in the industry, providing the best blocking, detection and removal of malware in all of its forms.