Spyware is designed to do exactly what it sounds like- it hides on your computer and monitors everything that you do. Generally used to display advertising, it can also be used to generate visits to a particular website, or can even lead you to a malicious website that will download malware onto your computer. Browser Hijackerīrowser hijacking is caused by malicious software that redirects your computer’s browser to a predetermined website. While it won’t cause any direct harm to the users’ device, it can produce very annoying behaviors and can sometimes contain spyware as well. AdwareĪdware is software that displays unwanted advertising on a computer or mobile device, usually in the form of pop-up ads or redirecting your browser to a specific website. This type of malware is not classified as a virus or Trojan horse, however it can still negatively affect a computer and can even introduce other security risks. In addition to annoying behaviors, it can also steal data. However, it can still cause extremely annoying behaviors such as generating an overabundance of pop up advertisements or it can cause your computer to run slowly. Not all malware is destructive in nature. All of the threats on the Internet landscape are types of malicious software, and therefore now fall under the umbrella term, “malware.” Malware That Causes Annoying Behaviors The threats on the cyber landscape have evolved into more than just viruses, and can cause much more damage than viruses can. A virus is classified as a self-replicating piece of malicious code that travels by inserting itself into files or programs.

The term, “virus” has been the commonplace word for all malicious software programs for years now however, a virus is just one type of malicious threat. Spyware, ransomware, and bots, oh my! A lot of these terms are prevalent on the Internet, but it may seem impossible to know what all these terms mean, and how they actually affect your devices and personal information.

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