Skip to main content

What is malware?

31st January 2025

560,000 new pieces of malware are detected each day* – how can cyber security keep up?

If you’re like me, you’ve heard the term ‘malware’ before, and you might have some vague idea of what it is. You’re probably imagining famous scenes from films, where malware that the villain has created causes chaos, often appearing as red, glowing skulls made of code, with an ominous, threatening message – one scene in Skyfall springs to mind.

But in the real world, malware poses a serious threat to your systems, be them personal or business. According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), 17% of businesses reported facing malware in 2024.*2 I’d say a 1 in 5 chance of being targeted by something that could be potentially catastrophic is a massive concern.

So, what is malware? Short for malicious software, malware refers to any software designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client or computer network. It can disrupt operations, steal sensitive information and gain unauthorised access to systems, as well as having other potentially harmful effects.

Additionally, malware is a collective term for a variety of different cyber threats. Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware and adware all come under the term malware. However, each of them is unique and uses a different method to disrupt your systems.

Check in with Interfuture Security as we explore each of these types of malware in more detail in future articles – if you have any questions please contact us HERE.

*https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/malware-statistics/#Malware_Statistics_2023

*2https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024

Back to top