Malware

Short for malicious software, malware is any program designed to damage systems, steal information, spy on users or give an attacker unauthorized control of a device.

Malware is an umbrella term. It covers viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, rootkits and other harmful code. It usually arrives through email attachments, malicious links, infected downloads, fake software updates or unpatched systems that attackers can reach over the internet.

For a small or mid-sized Alberta business, a single infected laptop can lead to stolen banking credentials, leaked customer records or a network-wide outage. Smaller firms are often targeted precisely because attackers expect weaker defences and fewer people watching for warning signs.

Practical tip: traditional antivirus alone is no longer enough. Pair modern endpoint protection that watches for suspicious behaviour with regular patching, email filtering and staff who know not to open unexpected attachments. If a device starts acting strangely, disconnect it from the network and call your IT provider before trying to fix it yourself.