Malware is one of form of malicious programs which harm computers. Malware is simply a software having malicious code. The computer on which malware is installed is called the victim and the creator of this malware is called the attacker. Once installed on victim’s computer the attacker gains access to the victim’s computer without the knowledge of victim. This is nothing but illegal access to victims computer. So the attacker can do anything on victim’s computer like removing files, obtaining personal information, and some cases destroying the system.

It includes cookies which track the information about the user of the computer. These programs are downloaded by the victim unknowingly just by visiting a malware affected web site or by downloading a malware effected file from the internet. The attacker can be the victim’s friend, relative or a stranger to him. These programs can collect personal information from the user in various ways depending on the system configuration of the victim’s computer.

Once installed, these programs can also download additional software with additional functions to harm the computer of the victim. And thus with the additional functions the attacker can gain full access to the victim’s computer. He can erase discs, modify, or delete files, or even can gain access to his online accounts. Malware can be also thought as differently where it installs cookies, which track the personal browsing habits and interests of the victim and thus this information Is used by software companies to make revenue by selling products of his choice. Here privacy of the victim is ceased for making profits.

Malware is intended to gain control over the victim’s computer system and so can be used to send spam or perform other actions without the victim’s knowledge or permission. Contagious malware or infectious malware is the most dangerous of all other malwares or spywares because it can source can even cause grave damage to the victim’s computer system by monopolizing very important computer resources.

Any software or program that can screen, gather personal information or cause damage to any computer can be stated as malware. Anti virus with heuristic scanning techniques built into its scanning system is required to face malware and other spywares. Updating the anti virus with heuristic scanner regularly would definitely prevent auto execution of malwares to a large extinct on your computer. Along with this, a basic know of how your computer works would help you to defend your system from malwares.