Types of Malware
Identify viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and their distinctive behaviors.
Types of Malware is a free Ethical Hacking Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Ethical Hacking Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
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Welcome to Types of Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or compromise systems.
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What is Malware?
Malware is any software created to damage or gain unauthorized access to a system.
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Common Types of Malware
- Viruses - Attach to files and spread when executed.
- Worms - Spread across networks without user action.
- Trojans - Disguise as legitimate software.
- Ransomware - Encrypts files and demands payment.
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Viruses
Viruses infect files and require user action to spread.
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Worms
Worms self-replicate across networks, exploiting vulnerabilities.
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Trojans
Trojans disguise themselves as useful software but perform malicious actions.
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Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
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How to Protect Against Malware
- Use antivirus software.
- Keep software updated.
- Do not open suspicious emails.
- Use strong firewalls.
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Summary
Malware comes in many forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. Security measures help prevent infections.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Types of Malware” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Types of Malware” is free to read here on the web, and the Ethical Hacking Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Ethical Hacking Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Types of Malware”?
Identify viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and their distinctive behaviors. You practise Ethical Hacking Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Ethical Hacking Academy?
No prior experience is required. Ethical Hacking Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Types of Malware” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Ethical Hacking Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Ethical Hacking Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Types of Malware
- Infection Vectors
- Defense Mechanisms