What Is Website Malware? How Does It Differ From Computer Malware?

By Author: kedar naik
Total Articles: 8
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Malware is the short term used for 'Malicious Software.' These are specifically designed to damage data, gain illegal access, or do other unwanted actions on a computer system. A few common examples of malware include worms, viruses, trojan horses, spyware, adware, ransomware, and many more.

With the cyber world expanding its horizon each year, malware activities have also extended their reach. It has roughly infected a third of the world's computers, costing trillions of dollars each year to companies across the globe.

According to a report by Nationwide, nearly 6 in 10 small businesses reported having experienced a cyberattack. Not just this, the report declared that, on an average, it takes 146 days for a company to detect the attack.

You must know, that malicious code isn't just confined to operating systems (OS). There are millions of websites across the internet with vulnerabilities that make them easy targets.

The rise in cybercrime shows no signs of slowing down. Back in 2014, nearly 1 million new types of malware were released. But the techniques to deal with them were old. Consequently, ...
... the companies had to face massive losses.

Today, threats are increasingly complex, and you cannot identify them. The web traffic volume is growing, and connected devices are expanding twofold; this results in an expanded attack surface. In 2018, we recorded more than 446 million records of data breaches.

Hence, website malware detection has emerged to be a necessary process to follow by nearly all companies operating on the digital platform.

What's the difference between Website Malware and Computer Malware?

You'll find in most discussions that malware is centered in programs that are further attached to an operating system, another file, or program somewhere in a computer's memory. As soon as the user accesses that program or the specific file, the infection is launched.

Malware is designed to steal data, passwords, corrupt files, log keystrokes, and spam email contacts when it infects a computer. It can also take over the infected machines, physical media, social media links, or file downloads.

Luckily, there are immense options of computer-based antiviruses in the market that are equipped to detect signs of malware and defend the system against most types of malware.

Website Malware is another class of malware, which is less discussed but is equally insidious and pervasive for any system. What does malware do when it breaches into a website? By leveraging the website malware, hackers can sneak into a site undetected, alter the website's appearance, steal sensitive customer data, and may also damage a company's repo in the marketplace.

Many times, a website can be suspended or blacklisted. However, with unmitigated malware infections, cybercriminals might get control of your website, causing severe damage to your business. Every site on the internet is a potential target. According to research, every single website on the internet will experience nearly 60 attacks a day.

Such statistics are convincing enough for a company to conduct a source code review of its application/website and identify any plausible vulnerabilities. If your business deals with maintaining customers' trust, then you need to consider cybersecurity services to identify the threats and vulnerabilities.