Cybersecurity Zoo of Malware

Imagine walking through a zoo filled with all sorts of wild and dangerous creatures, each with its own unique characteristics. But instead of animals, this zoo is filled with different types of malicious code, each designed to disrupt in its special way. From sneaky spies to destructive time bombs, and annoying worms. Understanding these creatures can help you protect yourself in the digital world.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of malicious code, so you can recognise the threats and keep your systems safe.

Code Type	Characteristics
Virus	Code that causes malicious behaviour and propagates copies of itself to other programs
Worm	Code that propagates copies of itself through a network; impact is usually degraded performance
Trojan horse	Code that contains unexpected, undocumented, additional functionality
Rabbit	Code that replicates itself without limit, to exhaust resources
Logic bomb	Code that triggers action when a predetermined condition occurs
Time bomb	Code that triggers action when a predetermined time occurs
Dropper	Transfer agent code only to drop other malicious code, such as a virus or Trojan horse
RAT (remote access Trojan)	Trojan horse that, once planted, gives access from a remote location
Spyware	A program that intercepts and covertly communicates data on the user or the user’s activity
Ransomware	Attack that transfers data offsite or, more usually, encrypts it; the attacker demands a ransom in exchange for returning the data or decryption key
Bot	Semi-autonomous agent, under the control of a (usually remote) controller or “herder”; not necessarily malicious
Zombie	Code or entire computer under the control of a (usually remote) program
Rootkit	Code installed in the “root” or most privileged section of the operating system; hard to detect
Trapdoor or backdoor	Code feature that allows unauthorised access to a machine or program; bypasses normal access control and authentication
Scareware	Not code; false warning of malicious code attack

Ref: Security in Computing, 6th Edition

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