Malware
Wiper Malware
Also known as: Disk wiper, Destructive malware
Definition
Destructive malware whose primary goal is to irreversibly erase or corrupt data, firmware, or boot records — not financial gain.
Examples
- NotPetya (2017), a wiper disguised as ransomware that caused billions in damage.
- HermeticWiper and CaddyWiper, used against Ukrainian targets in 2022.
Related terms
Ransomware
Malware that encrypts a victim's data or locks systems and demands payment in exchange for restoring access.
Logic Bomb
Malicious code that lies dormant inside a program and activates its payload only when a specific logical condition is met.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) — definition coming soon.
Incident Response
The organised process of preparing for, detecting, analysing, containing, eradicating, and recovering from cyber security incidents, then capturing lessons learned.
Malware Analysis
Malware Analysis — definition coming soon.
Malware
Any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, or data.