How does Sophos categorize malware threats?

Sophos categorizes malware threats primarily by types such as viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. This classification is essential for effectively identifying, analyzing, and responding to different types of malware, as each category exhibits distinct behaviors, infection methods, and impacts on systems. By classifying malware based on its type, security solutions can implement targeted responses suited to the specific characteristics of the threat.

This approach also aids in educating end users and IT professionals about the nature of the threats they may face, providing a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with different categories of malware. For example, viruses often replicate by attaching themselves to legitimate files, while ransomware specifically encrypts files and demands payment for their recovery. Such differentiation is critical in developing effective security strategies and mitigation techniques.