[Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) Malware [Blog](/blog)[Breaches](/breaches)[Resources](/resources)[News](/news) [Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) # Malware ##### [Edward Kost](/team/edward-kost) updated Nov 04, 2021 ###### Contents ## What is Malware? [Malware](https://www.upguard.com/blog/malware) is malicious software designed to compromise computer devices and IT networks. There are different objectives of injecting malware into a computer system. Some examples include: * Installing [ransomware](https://www.upguard.com/blog/what-is-ransomware-as-a-service) * Installing monitoring software ([spyware](https://www.upguard.com/blog/spyware)) * Recruiting devices into a botnet * Installing viruses * Breaching [sensitive data](https://www.upguard.com/blog/sensitive-data) Malware is usually injected into a system when a user interacts with an email or website containing infected links - a cyberattack method known as [phishing](https://www.upguard.com/blog/phishing). ## Common Types of Malware There are 10 common types of malware. 1. Viruses 2. Worms 3. Trojans 4. Spyware 5. Adware 6. Ransomware 7. [Keyloggers](https://www.upguard.com/glossary/keylogger) 8. Logic Bombs 9. Adware 10. Rootkits ## Key takeaways * Malware is short for malicious software. * To mitigate the risk of malware injections, never interact with suspicious emails or websites. * Software vulnerabilities could facilitate malware injections. This can be prevented by installing the latest security patches. * * ###### Reviewed by No items found. ###### Author ##### [Edward Kost](/team/edward-kost) ###### Reviewed by ##### [Kaushik Sen](/team/kaushik-sen) ###### Join 27,000+ cybersecurity newsletter subscribers ## Read more about Malware Learn more about Malware and the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/types-of-malware) [22 Types of Malware and How to Recognize Them](/blog/types-of-malware) #### [22 Types of Malware and How to Recognize Them](/blog/types-of-malware) Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that harms a computer or its user. Common malware includes computer viruses, ransomware, and worms. [](/team/abi-tyas-tunggal) [Abi Tyas Tunggal](#) July 7, 2025 [UpGuard](/blog/malware) [What is Malware?](/blog/malware) #### [What is Malware?](/blog/malware) Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. [](/team/abi-tyas-tunggal) [Abi Tyas Tunggal](#) July 3, 2025 [View all blog posts](/blog) ## See UpGuard In Action Book a free, personalized onboarding call with one of our cybersecurity experts. [Contact sales](/demo) [Free demo](/demo) ## More from our blog Learn more about the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) #### [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) Answer 5 quick questions to predict what a dark web scan will find about your company. Then run the free scan to see your real exposure. 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[](/team/revashni-moodley) [Revashni Moodley](#) October 14, 2026 [UpGuard](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) [Good Security Rating? Your Dark Web Exposure Says Otherwise](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) #### [Good Security Rating? Your Dark Web Exposure Says Otherwise](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) Scan your domain to see just how exposed you are on the Dark Web. [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 11, 2026 [View all blog posts](/blog) ### Sign up for our newsletter UpGuard's monthly newsletter cuts through the noise and brings you what matters most: our breaking research, in-depth analysis of emerging threats, and actionable strategic insights. ##### Free instant security score ## How secure is your organization? 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