What is Crimeware? Is it similar to malware?

The continued use of harmful programs to commit crimes online has led to the birth of the term 'crimeware'. So, what is crimeware, how dangerous is it and what are its similarities? with malware?

What is Crimeware?

What is Crimeware? Is it similar to malware? Picture 1

There are many different terms used to define different types of malicious programs. You've got the general term, malware, and then more specific definitions, including ransomware and adware. Officially, crimeware refers to any program used to commit illegal activity. But you might be thinking "isn't that just what malware does?".

It is true that malware is used to carry out illegal activities. But malware itself is just computer code. But it is such codes that promote the implementation of illegal acts, making it a legal issue. At this point, malware can be called crimeware.

Crimeware is another general term that covers a number of different programs, including keyloggers, Trojans, etc. Such programs are specifically designed to assist cybercriminals.

It is easy to get confused between malware and crimeware because the two terms are related. For example, you can consider spyware as a type of malware or crimeware. In short, these two terms have similarities and can be used interchangeably.

What are the consequences of crimeware?

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If you know a little about malware in general, you probably know that there are many different malicious programs that people can use to take advantage of their goals.

The most common crimes committed using crimeware are identity theft, data theft, and fraud. All of this can have very serious consequences for the victim. Cyber ​​criminals steal identities to make payments, receive benefits, and perform other beneficial actions in your name.

Data theft is a terrifyingly common type of cybercrime today, where bad actors can make thousands or even millions of dollars through the sale of useful sensitive information. This type of data is often sold on the dark web through illegal marketplaces, with buyers seeking to exploit victims using the information provided. Login information, payment card details and even passports are hot commodities on these nefarious platforms.

Crimeware can also be used to conduct remote access attacks. This can often be done through exploiting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which allows an individual to access a certain desktop remotely. Such a protocol presents the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals, which is why it is important to protect your RDP at all times.

How to protect yourself against crimeware

What is Crimeware? Is it similar to malware? Picture 3

Because crimeware is a general term for many different malicious programs, there is no specific step-by-step process you can use to avoid it. Some types of crimeware are designed to fly under security radar, evade anti-virus protocols and bypass login authentication features.

But there are some basic rules you should follow if you want to keep your device as safe as possible from crimeware and its potentially devastating effects.

The first option, and possibly the most obvious, is to always have a reliable antivirus software program running. It may be annoying to pay for such services, but they can make a difference when you are faced with a cyber threat. Additionally, you should use a firewall when possible and update your applications regularly to patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

Other standard methods to avoid crimeware include using email anti-spam filters, checking links before opening them and being wary of malicious attachments.

As we continue to rely on technology to conduct transactions, store sensitive data, and carry on conversations, privacy and security become more at risk for savvy cybercriminals. looking to take advantage. So, make sure you're taking your cybersecurity seriously by using a variety of techniques to keep your devices and valuable data safe.

David Pac

Update 19 October 2023