Malware
Any software designed to damage, spy on or take control of a system without authorization. It almost always needs a person to let it in.
Full definition
Malware is the generic term for any software intentionally designed to damage, spy, extort or take control of a system without authorization. It covers families with different purposes: ransomware that kidnaps data, infostealers that steal credentials, keyloggers that record keystrokes, trojans that open backdoors, and botnets that recruit machines.
Its most common way in is not a technical vulnerability but a human action: opening an attachment, clicking a phishing link, running a command from fake instructions, or installing pirated software. Modern malicious code is also offered as a service, with dashboards and support, lowering the barrier of entry into crime.
Layered defense combines endpoint protection, patching and filters with the behavior training that reduces the chance of someone opening the door.
Related terms
Ransomware
Malware that encrypts the victim's data and demands payment to release it. It now adds the threat of publishing what was stolen if no payment is made.
Infostealer
Malware that silently steals credentials, cookies and browser data, packaging them for sale on the dark web as stealer logs.
Keylogger
Software or hardware that records every keystroke to capture passwords and conversations. A classic piece of digital espionage.
Phishing
An attack that impersonates a trusted sender, such as a bank, a colleague or a vendor, to steal credentials, data or money, or install malware.
From definition to data: measure your company's human risk
Fensivo detects leaked credentials, simulates real attacks and validates with retests that behavior changed.