What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts all of your files and then demands for money (usually using bitcoin) to decryptyour files. Some ransomwares even show a timer and say that all your data will be deleted when the timer hits 0:00 unless you have a decryption key and entered it in to decrypt your files. Ransomin payments often use bitcoin because bitcoin does not trace any of its payments which means the payment between the user and the cyber criminals, who created the ransomware, is confidential. It seems that most ransomware comes from Russia. Ransomware is not cheap. Ransomware usually costs $300 which means that the cyber criminals earn masses of money. The petya ransomware made only 3.7 bitcoin although it spreaded massively. 3.7 bitcoin is just below $ 10,000 because people are not convinced to pay the ransom fee.
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of virus that constantly records your screen and a keyboard and then sends the recorded data to the virus creators or whoever views the data. Spyware is useful for criminals as it can capture peoples passwords and banking details. Spyware is usually hard to notice. You know that spy sherrif pretends to be an antispyware program, but it is spyware. Spy sherrif used to be hosted at www.spy-sheriff.com from 2005 to 2008 but no longer contains the spy sherrif ransomware.If you want to have a good antispyware application, check out the following: 1. Total 2. PC Protector AV --- --- --- 4 3 McAffe Windows Defender Most antiviruses like McAfee protect you from viruses and spyware. I strongly recommend Windows Defender for Windows Defender is a good freeware that comes with Windows and is Microsoft. Windows Defender for Windows PCs and spyware.
What is a keylogger?
A keylogger is a type of virus similar to spyware however keyloggers only record your keyboard and spyware records on your screen and keyboard. The data will be sent to the virus creators / whoever receives the data and then the data can be used. Keyloggers are usually hard to find out about because they slow down your PC.
For example, only a weekly keylogger will be able to share your keys. A keylogger is not very common today, because spyware is used more.
What is a worm?
A worm is a virus that spreads to other computers. A worm that spreads over the network. The I love you virus was a worm because it spread over email and caused many email servers to go down as it infected many computers and spreaded too much traffic. Many viruses spread because cyber criminals want more people to get infected by their virus. What if you have ransomware / other virus type that spreads? Is it ransomware or a worm? If you have a ransomware that spreads, it is not ransomware or a worm! It is a ransomworm! This is the same as all other types of viruses.
For example, spyware that spreads would be a spyworm. There is only 1 exeption: keylogger is just a keylogger worm - how boring!
What is adware?
Adware is a type of virus that shows you adverts on your device so that the creator earns money. Confused? Have a look at the chart below:
>> Programmer gives away adware. >> Someone accidently downloads it. >> The victim has ads and the programmer earns money because by showing ads you earn money.
Have a virus that does not spread but just causes destruction?
This is classified as malware. If it does, it could be a malworm or a worm. Mal in Spanish means bad.Some viruses are pointless and will not earn any money but they are just made to infect peoples computers and annoy the users. Some viruses are made to be tested by viruses testers and are made for fun and then the creator tells users to download the virus at their own risk. These viruses are just as common as ransomware which encrypts all of your files.