Malware is the collective term used to describe any program designed to damage your hardware or your software or perform some kind of shady function.  Essentially, “malware” is an eliding or blending of “malicious software.” Types of malware include:

  • Virus
  • Trojan
  • Spyware
  • Worm
  • Ransomware
  • Adware
  • Rootkits
  • Botnet
  • Keylogger
  • Browser Hijacker

In the essence of time, let’s take a look at only the most common types of Hikvision malware.


It is quite likely that you have not only heard of a computer virus, but have probably dealt with one at some point in your life. This is a computer program (or even just one sequence of code within a program) that “infects” your computer without your knowledge or your permission.  These programs are simply designed to be destructive, often seeking out vulnerable controls that can let them spread to other computers.  This pathological aspect of the computer virus resembles that of a biological virus, hence the name.


Spyware is a specific type of malware that is designed to collect information about your web activity by “spying” on your browser and search inputs.  It might also try to find personal information like credit card numbers, etc.  Sometimes the goal of spyware is to use your information and sometimes the goal is to sell it to other parties.  A keylogger is a special type of spyware committed to monitoring just the keystrokes you make on your keyboard.


Adware is also a specific type of malware but it is not as malicious as, say, a virus. The goal of adware is to get into your computer and send you advertisements.  Most people become “infected” with adware when they install a “free” program from the internet.  Sometimes this adds a pop window to your web surfing or adds a search engine to your toolbar; these types of adware can sometimes be tolerable. Sometimes, though, the adware does what spyware does and collects your browsing information so it can tailor ads to your preferences.


Taken from the story of Greek myth a Trojan [horse] is a type of malware that is disguised as something helpful or useful but causes harm—often stealing info—once you install it. It is important to understand, though, that a Trojan is not necessarily bad on its own: it is the type of malware it installs (adware, ransomware, spyware) that can be harmful..

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