What is a malware virus?

A malware virus is virus software spread through malicious programs or software – known as malware. Malware is short for ‘malicious software’ and is another term for ‘computer virus’.

Types of malware virus

Malware is another name for virus software which is designed to delete, block, modify or copy data, or disrupt the performance of computers or computer networks.

Malicious virus software can delete data on your computer, steal your private details or otherwise compromise your computer security. Virus software on your computer can also infect the computers of your colleagues, friends and family because it often spreads through your e-mail contact lists.

Some types of malware are annoying, while other types can be intrusive, hostile, or even destructive.

You should also aim to use different login details for your different online activities, as using the same one leaves you vulnerable should your details get into the wrong hands.

Malware mostly spreads through the internet – through the World Wide Web and e-mail – or through a network. Anyone using a computer or connected to a network is susceptible to it. Malware can even be spread through USB sticks or mobile devices.

Malware is very common and a continual threat to computer users. Top security software company Kaspersky Lab discovers around 38,000 new types of malware each and every day.

Generally, malware includes any virus software used to automatically conduct malicious activity, such as:

• A computer virus
• A worm virus
• A trojan virus or trojan horse virus
• Malicious tools such as spyware and rootkits
• Adware, scareware and crimeware

Free virus removal tool

Want to check if your computer is infected with malware? Use Kaspersky’s free Virus Scanner for free virus removal and to check your system.

Get antivirus software

As soon as the virus remover has done its job, you should remove the tool and install an antivirus software program to suit your needs.