The Internet and computers are an essential part of today's society. People are able to communicate internationally, access endless amounts of information, and conduct business through these technologies. With all the great innovations and freedoms these tools offer, there are also a number of risks. Nations, businesses and individuals are at risk of having their computers attacked and confidential documents and information stolen. The Internet and computers are a great asset to our society, but when misused, they can cause crimes, wars, and social problems. This is why computer and network security is essential to protect users from malicious attacks. Computers can be attacked in many different ways and it is essential for all computer users to be prepared to handle these attacks. Malware is malicious software "designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or generally inflict some other 'bad' or illegitimate action on data, hosts, or networks" (Cisco, nd, np). There are a number of types of malware such as viruses, worms, Trojans and bots. A device can be exposed to malware by being bundled with other programs, attached as macros to files, or installed through vulnerabilities in an operating system (Cisco, nd). One of the most common forms of malware is viruses. A virus is a type of malicious software intentionally written to attach itself to other programs (Kanish, 1997). The majority of viruses are attached to an executable file and will only be activated when this file is opened by a user (Cisco, nd). Viruses spread from one computer to another by sending an attachment containing malicious code to another and then opening the file (Cisco, nd). Another common Middle of Paper......aware of the advancements in cyberattacks and are taking necessary steps to secure their networks and data. Malware poses a threat to all computers and networks. Viruses, worms, Trojan horses and bots are all types of malware that can infect and compromise computers. When this harmful software enters personal computers, businesses, and national security services, serious damage can result. Confidential information may be disclosed, intellectual property may be stolen, and financial losses may result. With the sophistication of malware, a new form of warfare is beginning to develop. Cyberwarfare and cyberweapons have been developed and deployed by countries around the world. These weapons are extremely dangerous and make it difficult to discover the perpetrator of the attack. There are ways to protect against malware, but no method is one hundred percent effective..