Malware poses a significant threat to our personal information and security. From ransomware to keyloggers, malicious software programs can infiltrate our devices and compromise our most sensitive data, including contact lists. In this post, we’ll explore how malware works, the risks it presents, and the potential consequences of a breach.
What is Malware?
Malware, short for malicious software, is any software designed to harm, exploit, or compromise the functionality of a computer or network. One of the primary goals of many malware types is to steal sensitive information. Here’s how it works:
Malware often enters a device through infected downloads, email attachments, or compromised websites. Users may inadvertently install it by clicking on malicious links or accepting untrustworthy downloads.
Once installed, the malware can access various parts of the system. Spyware, for instance, can monitor keystrokes and capture personal information, while other types may directly search for files containing sensitive data.
Many malware types can scan for contact lists stored on devices, and extract names, phone numbers, and email addresses. This information can then be used for spam, phishing attacks, or sold on the dark web.
