Adware is a form of malware that targets users with unwanted advertisements, often disrupting their browsing experience. It typically infiltrates systems through software bundling, malicious websites, or deceptive downloads. Once installed, it may track user activity, collect sensitive data, and display intrusive ads, including pop-ups or banners. Some advanced adware variants can bypass security measures and establish persistence on devices, making removal challenging. Additionally, adware can create vulnerabilities that other malware can exploit, posing a significant risk to user privacy and system security.

AsyncRAT is a RAT that can monitor and remotely control infected systems. This malware was introduced on Github as a legitimate open-source remote administration software, but hackers use it for its many powerful malicious functions.

A backdoor is a type of cybersecurity threat that allows attackers to secretly compromise a system and conduct malicious activities, such as stealing data and modifying files. Backdoors can be difficult to detect, as they often use legitimate system applications to evade defense mechanisms. Threat actors often utilize special malware, such as PlugX, to establish backdoors on target devices.

DarkVision RAT is a low-cost, modular Remote Access Trojan that gives attackers remote control of infected Windows hosts. Initially observed around 2020 and sold in underground marketplaces, DarkVision has become notable for its full feature set (keylogging, screen capture, file theft, remote command execution and plugin support) and for being distributed via multi-stage loaders in recent campaigns.

A keylogger is a type of spyware that infects a system and has the ability to record every keystroke made on the device. This lets attackers collect personal information of victims, which may include their online banking credentials, as well as personal conversations. The most widespread vector of attack leading to a keylogger infection begins with a phishing email or link. Keylogging is also often present in remote access trojans as part of an extended set of malicious tools.

Medusa is a ransomware malware family targeting businesses and institutions. Medusa encrypts crucial data, rendering it inaccessible, and attempts to pressure users to pay to regain control of their information. The group behind this malicious software hosts a TOR website where it shares the list of the organizations whose infrastructure has been compromised. This malware utilizes various tactics, including exploiting vulnerabilities and employs a unique file extension (".MEDUSA") to mark encrypted files.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their system or data using different methods to force them to pay a ransom. Most often, such programs encrypt files on an infected machine and demand a fee to be paid in exchange for the decryption key. Additionally, such programs can be used to steal sensitive information from the compromised computer and even conduct DDoS attacks against affected organizations to pressure them into paying.

Remote access trojans (RATs) are a type of malware that enables attackers to establish complete to partial control over infected computers. Such malicious programs often have a modular design, offering a wide range of functionalities for conducting illicit activities on compromised systems. Some of the most common features of RATs include access to the users’ data, webcam, and keystrokes. This malware is often distributed through phishing emails and links.

Sality is a highly sophisticated malware known for infecting executable files and rapidly spreading across networks. It primarily creates a peer-to-peer botnet that is used for malicious activities such as spamming, data theft, and downloading additional malware. Sality has strong persistence mechanisms, including disabling security software, making it difficult to remove. Its ability to spread quickly and silently, along with its polymorphic nature, allows it to evade detection by traditional antivirus solutions.

Stealers are a group of malicious software that are intended for gaining unauthorized access to users’ information and transferring it to the attacker. The stealer malware category includes various types of programs that focus on their particular kind of data, including files, passwords, and cryptocurrency. Stealers are capable of spying on their targets by recording their keystrokes and taking screenshots. This type of malware is primarily distributed as part of phishing campaigns.

STRRAT is a type of malicious software known as a remote access trojan (RAT). It gives attackers the ability to gain full control over a victim's computer system, enabling them to steal confidential information, spy on their activities, and drop other malware. STRRAT has been in operation since 2020 and is regularly updated to increase its complexity and make it more difficult to detect.