How can you classify different types of malware?

Malware is any software that harms or compromises the security, functionality, or performance of a computer system or network. Malware can have various goals, such as stealing data, disrupting services, extorting money, or conducting espionage. However, not all malware is the same. There are different types of malware that can be classified based on their characteristics, behavior, origin, and impact. In this article, you will learn how to classify malware and why it is important to do so.

1 Malware characteristics

One way to classify malware is by looking at its characteristics, such as its structure, format, size, encryption, obfuscation, or polymorphism. These features can affect how malware is detected, analyzed, and removed. For example, malware can be classified as executable, script, or macro based on its format. Executable malware is a binary file that runs directly on the system, such as a virus or a worm. Script malware is a text file that runs through an interpreter, such as a browser or a shell, such as a web shell or a PowerShell script. Macro malware is a code embedded in a document, such as a Word or Excel file, that runs when the document is opened, such as a Trojan or a ransomware.

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Varshith Chilukuri

Research Assistant@NJIT | Top 1% TryHackMe | CompTIA Sec+ | AWS | Security Engineer@Dell
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Macro viruses: These viruses embed themselves within macros, typically found in Microsoft Word documents (.docm) or Excel spreadsheets (.xlsm). When the macro is enabled or automatically executed, the malicious code is unleashed. The Melissa virus of 1999 exploited this technique to spread rapidly through email attachments. Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software (e.g., games, system utilities) to trick users into installing them. Once installed, they perform malicious activities in the background, such as stealing data, installing additional malware, or creating backdoors for remote access. Zeus, a notorious banking Trojan, targeted financial institutions and individuals for credential theft.

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2 Malware behavior

Another way to classify malware is by looking at its behavior, such as its infection method, propagation mechanism, persistence technique, or payload delivery. These aspects can affect how malware spreads, hides, and performs its malicious actions. For example, malware can be classified as resident or non-resident based on its infection method. Resident malware stays in memory and infects other files or processes, such as a rootkit or a backdoor. Non-resident malware runs once and then deletes itself or transfers control to another program, such as a dropper or a downloader.

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3 Malware origin

A third way to classify malware is by looking at its origin, such as its author, source, target, or purpose. These factors can affect how malware is attributed, tracked, and prevented. For example, malware can be classified as state-sponsored, cybercriminal, hacktivist, or cyberterrorist based on its author. State-sponsored malware is created and used by governments or their proxies for espionage, sabotage, or warfare, such as Stuxnet or Flame. Cybercriminal malware is created and used by individuals or groups for financial gain or fraud, such as Zeus or CryptoLocker. Hacktivist malware is created and used by activists or protesters for political or social causes, such as Anonymous or LulzSec. Cyberterrorist malware is created and used by extremists or radicals for violence or intimidation, such as Shamoon or Wiper.

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Varshith Chilukuri

Research Assistant@NJIT | Top 1% TryHackMe | CompTIA Sec+ | AWS | Security Engineer@Dell
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Crimeware: Designed for financial gain through fraud, data theft, or ransomware attacks. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Often state-sponsored, these use sophisticated techniques for long-term cyberespionage or sabotage. Hacktivist malware: Used for political or social activism, such as website defacement or data leaks.

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4 Malware impact

A fourth way to classify malware is by looking at its impact, such as its severity, scope, duration, or damage. These consequences can affect how malware is assessed, mitigated, and recovered. For example, malware can be classified as high-risk, medium-risk, or low-risk based on its severity. High-risk malware is very harmful and difficult to remove, such as a ransomware or a rootkit. Medium-risk malware is moderately harmful and moderately difficult to remove, such as a keylogger or a spyware. Low-risk malware is mildly harmful and easy to remove, such as a pop-up ad or a browser hijacker.

Why is it important to classify malware? Classifying malware can help you understand the nature, origin, and intention of the threat, as well as the appropriate response and countermeasures. By knowing the type of malware you are dealing with, you can better protect your network, systems, and data from malicious attacks.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Vipul Sharma

information security (B.E) The pen tester ,Malware analyst , ethical hacking
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Malware code , strings and the exe and dll files they play a major role in malware working so if you want to know malware classification you need to have good knowledge of coding and the networking and two type of analysis are there static and dynamic. We can start by static if we got nothing then we go to dynamic and use sandbox for malware analysis and by its behavior, by its network connection and which file it accessing and how much permission it use we can see there and easily get information about malware

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How can you classify different types of malware?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Malware characteristics

2 Malware behavior

3 Malware origin

4 Malware impact

5 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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How can you classify different types of malware?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Malware characteristics

2 Malware behavior

3 Malware origin

4 Malware impact

5 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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