You usually don’t have to worry about malware that your operating system’s security tools can efficiently remediate, like infamous computer viruses with known signatures. Similarly, you usually don’t have to worry about malware that vulnerability patches can negate. But there are some malicious programs that built-in antivirus tools and security updates struggle to stop. For such advanced malware, it’s helpful to download anti-malware software from the Internet:
#1 Rootkits
When you hear the word “rootkit” you may think it’s something you need in math or an appliance for a landscaper. But in computing, rootkits can be pretty threatening. Rootkits are a type of sneaky malware that can embed deeply in your computer system and give a bad actor significant control of your machine and your data. Rootkits come in different flavors, each nastier than the next:
- Program Rootkit: Also known as an app rootkit, this malware corrupts apps. Whenever you run the corrupted program, the rootkit gets to work.
- RAM Rootkit: Some people call RAM rootkits memory rootkits. Regardless of what you call them, this malware hides in your computer’s memory, engaging in malicious activity until you reboot your machine.
- Kernel Rootkits: These rootkits are exceptionally challenging to detect and remove because they hide in your operating system’s kernel layer.
- Bootloader Rootkit: How do you stop malware that loads with your operating system? Bootloader rootkits are a significant threat without the correct security measures.
- Firmware Rootkit: You probably know that firmware is a small piece of software that gives manufacturers basic control over hardware like gaming consoles, mobile phones, and even electric cars. Well, firmware rootkits are a menace because they can help threat actors hack various devices.
Although rootkits don’t often throw up symptoms, pay attention to system and software crashes. Some rootkits can also disable your antivirus software. Stopping deeply embedded rootkits is challenging, so try to give your PC a fighting chance with a cutting-edge rootkit remover that crushes this stealthy malware.
#2 Polymorphic and Metamorphic Malware
Imagine a malicious program that changes like a shape shifter, so it’s hard for security tools to detect. Both polymorphic and metamorphic malware can modify their code. While polymorphic malware use encryption to hide their code, metamorphic viruses can transform more deeply. As metamorphic viruses spread, they can look completely different.
Stopping polymorphic and metamorphic malware can be nearly impossible with conventional antivirus technology. Only anti-malware tools that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify dangerous patterns in malicious programs can stop these unusual threats.
#3 Spyware, Stalkerware, and Keyloggers
When threat actors design programs to snoop on you, they usually ensure that they display very few symptoms in order to remain hidden. Here are three privacy-invading programs you should protect your system from:
- Spyware is a catch-all term for any program that spies on your activity. Military-grade spyware like Pegasus can be particularly dangerous difficult to remove.
- Stalkerware apps found on mobile platforms like Google Play allow hackers, predators, and even jealous partners to spy on kids or partners.
- Keyloggers document your every keystroke, from your usernames and passwords to the words you write to compose your email.
It’s a good idea to adopt threat mitigation strategies against sneaky malware because they’re hard to stop once in your system. Learn about attack vectors like phishing emails, malicious websites, and malware downloads to defend yourself.
