What is malware?
Malware is any software written to harm, spy on or take control of a device, network or account. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, infostealers and ransomware.
How it works
Malware arrives through phishing attachments and links, malicious downloads, compromised websites, infected USB drives and unpatched software. Infostealers, which harvest saved passwords and session cookies, have become a leading source of stolen credentials.
Defenses include endpoint detection and response, application control, patching and email and web filtering.
Why it matters
Most malware still needs a person to open, run or allow something. Controls and habits together keep it out.
