What’s the hardest malware to detect?

The hardest type of malware to detect is often fileless malware, because it doesn’t leave traces on a hard drive and can evade traditional file-based detection techniques. That’s why it’s important to use a cutting-edge antivirus like Norton 360 Deluxe, which uses heuristic behaviour-detection techniques to identify threats.

How does malware spread?

Malware spreads through infected email attachments, malicious websites, software vulnerabilities, compromised networks, or removable media. It can also propagate via phishing attacks, social engineering, or file-sharing platforms. Once executed, malware may be able to independently spread to other devices and systems.

Can malware damage your computer hardware?

While malware typically targets software and data, some types, like crypto miners or firmware attacks, can indirectly damage hardware by causing CPU or GPU overheating, or physical wear due to intensive processing.

Can I get malware from public Wi-Fi?

Yes, public Wi-Fi networks can be exploited to perform man-in-the-middle attacks in which hackers intercept data in transit and inject malicious code into the data packets. Using a VPN to encrypt the data you send and receive helps protect against this risk.

What are the top three malware types?

Although there are many types of malware, the three most common are viruses, trojans, and ransomware. Some malware can even hybridize, meaning it fits into multiple categories. The number of malware types continues to grow as cyber threats evolve.