Virus:
A virus or computer virus is a self-replicating program, script, or code that makes copies of itself and then attaches itself to an existing file on the infected system or stores copies of itself on the system with harmless-sounding names like “repair”. tool’.
The virus is limited to spreading only by being transmitted or sent by an unwitting user or transported on a portable storage medium from one system to another. However, if a virus embeds itself somewhere on a network drive, anyone who opens or clicks on the infected document or file can also end up getting infected.
spyware:
Spyware is software that collects information about users’ Internet habits, browsing patterns, email passwords, usernames, and even credit card information, in essence “spying” on the user. unlucky user. This type of software is usually installed without the user’s knowledge and can also secretly transmit the collected data to a third party over the Internet.
Malware:
Malware can refer to any number of forms of malicious software or code that has been intentionally designed to perform one or more of the following malicious acts:
> Infiltrate a user’s computer system without their consent.
> Gather sensitive personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, or system passwords.
> Create backdoors or remote entry points to allow hackers to gain access to the system.
> The destruction of critical data and/or corruption of system files.
Malware is a general term and is commonly used to include viruses, worms, spyware, Trojan horses, and some forms of adware. The actual intent of malware can vary but by definition it is any software that is destructive in nature. Because the term Malware is so broad, it is difficult to cite a specific source for most infections.
worms:
A worm or computer worm is a self-replicating piece of computer code that uses a computer network to spread copies of itself to other nodes on the network. Unlike a virus, a worm can accomplish this without any user intervention or help. Also, unlike a computer virus, the worm does not have to attach itself to an existing computer program or file.
Many times a worm will also be used to carry a “payload”. ‘Payload’ is code that is designed to perform some specific function. In some cases, the payload allows the worm to send documents through email accounts on the infected system and attaches itself and its payload to email as an attachment. When the unsuspecting recipient of the email opens the attachment, the process starts all over again.
Troy Horse:
A Trojan virus or Trojan horse is a program that is usually downloaded, installed and executed on a computer system which then appears to be performing some useful function but unknowingly allows unauthorized access to the user’s computer system at the same time.
Hackers use Trojans to gain access to a user’s computer remotely and then perform a series of malicious activities. These nefarious activities may include, but are certainly not limited to:
> Data theft.
> Keystroke logging.
> Download or upload files.
> Visualization of the screen of victims.
> User system lock.
advertising:
Adware is advertiser-supported software that displays, plays, or downloads advertisements on your computer’s desktop or in your computer’s web browser as a condition of software installation. Most adware is free to use, as long as you don’t mind annoying pop-ups that appear at random intervals advertising one product or another. I have seen some Adware that would open a new window every 1-2 minutes, making it almost impossible to use the system until the software had to be removed.
Additionally, Adware will almost always collect data about your Internet habits and browsing behavior in order to tailor advertisements specifically to better match the retrieved data. In that sense, it is actually very similar to many types of spyware. In most cases, adware is simply a way of placing advertisements in the user’s face, although it’s a fine line before it can also be classified as spyware.
However, with Adware, in some cases you may be given the opportunity to review and choose whether or not to accept the terms and conditions associated with the software before installing it.
IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO READ THESE TERMS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING TO ACCEPT.
Symptoms of infection:
> Very slow computing performance.
> Random system hangs or crashes.
> Browser Redirection – Take you to websites that you were not looking for while browsing the Internet.
> Excessive number of pop-ups appearing randomly while browsing the Internet.
> You are informed that your system has ‘hundreds’ of active infections and you are redirected to a website that insists you pay for and download their specific software package to remove the infections.
Solution:
There are many good antivirus/antispyware products on the market designed to detect and remove these types of infections. McAfee and Kapersky are good, but AVG and Avast! they have similar products and offer a free downloadable version. Make sure to complete a ‘Full’ system scan and quarantine and remove all active infections. Set your antivirus software to perform an “active” scan or real-time system monitoring.
Prevention:
> Do not install software that you have downloaded from the Internet unless it comes from a known and trusted source.
> Be careful if you use file sharing platforms like LimeWire or torrent sites to download files.
> Do not open email attachments from unknown sources.
> Use a good antivirus/antispyware application and scan your system at least once a week. Make sure your antivirus software is fully up to date with the latest virus definitions.
> For Windows users: Make sure to visit the Microsoft update site and download all the latest Microsoft security patches.
