[Crawl-Date: 2026-04-19]
[Source: DataJelly Visibility Layer]
[URL: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/malware]
---
title: What Is Malware?
description: Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise computer systems. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, ea...
url: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/malware
canonical: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/malware
og_title: What Is Malware?
og_description: Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise computer systems. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, ea...
og_image: https://griffinitgroup.com/griffin-logo-og.png
twitter_card: summary_large_image
twitter_image: https://griffinitgroup.com/griffin-logo-og.png
---

# What Is Malware?
> Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise computer systems. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, ea...

---

Security

Beginner
## What Is Malware?
What Is Malware? Malware malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise computer systems. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, each with different attack methods.

## Why This Matters for Your Business
Malware infections can steal banking credentials, encrypt your files for ransom, or silently exfiltrate client data for months before detection. The average dwell time for undetected malware is 197 days — meaning attackers often have half a year of access before businesses realize they've been compromised.

## Related Security Terms

[Beginner
## 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
A security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. This typically combines something you know (password) with something you have (phone) or something you are (fingerprint).](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/2fa) [Intermediate
## DLP (Data Loss Prevention)
A strategy and set of tools to prevent sensitive data from being lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users. DLP software detects potential data breaches and prevents them by monitoring, detecting, and blocking sensitive data.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/dlp) [Intermediate
## EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
A cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors and responds to potential threats on endpoints like computers and servers. EDR tools detect, investigate, and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/edr) [Intermediate
## Encryption
The process of converting data into a coded format that can only be read by someone with the correct decryption key. Encryption protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/encryption)

[Major IncidentPrevious](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/major-incident) [All Terms](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary) [MDR (Managed Detection and Response)Next](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/mdr)

## Need Help With Security?

Our team can help you understand and implement the right technology solutions for your business. Get expert guidance from local IT professionals.

[Schedule a Consultation](https://griffinitgroup.com/contact) [Call (289) 667-4000](tel:+12896674000)

## Discovery & Navigation
> Semantic links for AI agent traversal.

* [Home](https://griffinitgroup.com/)
* [About](https://griffinitgroup.com/about)
* [Services](https://griffinitgroup.com/services)
* [Blog](https://griffinitgroup.com/blog)
* [Contact](https://griffinitgroup.com/contact)
* [IT Glossary](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary)
* [(289) 667-4000](tel:+12896674000)
* [info@griffinitgroup.com](mailto:info@griffinitgroup.com)
* [Site Map](https://griffinitgroup.com/sitemap)
* [Cybersecurity](https://griffinitgroup.com/small-business-cybersecurity)
* [Managed IT Services](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-niagara)
* [Field Services](https://griffinitgroup.com/field-it-services-niagara)
* [Network Infrastructure](https://griffinitgroup.com/network-infrastructure-niagara)
* [Niagara Community Support](https://griffinitgroup.com/niagara-community-support)
* [Thorold](https://griffinitgroup.com/thorold-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-thorold)
* [St. Catharines](https://griffinitgroup.com/st-catharines-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-st-catharines)
* [Welland](https://griffinitgroup.com/welland-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-welland)
* [Niagara Falls](https://griffinitgroup.com/niagara-falls-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-niagara-falls)
* [Fort Erie](https://griffinitgroup.com/fort-erie-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-fort-erie)
* [Grimsby](https://griffinitgroup.com/grimsby-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-grimsby)
* [NOTL](https://griffinitgroup.com/niagara-on-the-lake-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-niagara-on-the-lake)
* [Ajax](https://griffinitgroup.com/ajax-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-ajax)
* [Burlington](https://griffinitgroup.com/burlington-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-burlington)
* [Hamilton](https://griffinitgroup.com/hamilton-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-hamilton)
* [Oakville](https://griffinitgroup.com/oakville-it-support)
* [Managed IT](https://griffinitgroup.com/managed-it-services-oakville)
* [Explore Our Full CapabilitiesIT Service Catalogue — 220+ Services Across 39 Domains](https://griffinitgroup.com/it-service-catalogue)