"Computer virus" has become an all encompassing word today. There are actually sveral types of malicious software out there that have many different names. In the rest of this article we are going to refer to malicious software as "malware". Let's explore some of the different types of malware before we go any further.
Adware
Adware is one of the least destructive of all malware. The reason being is the purpose of this type of malware is to display advertisements to you. Such as pop-ups or really ingenious ones will actually read the webpage you clicked on display ads on the page.
The point is not to destroy, steal, or tamper with your data but to sell things to you through ads.
Spyware
Spyware very dangerous. Usually it is not particularly damaging to your PC but none of the data on it is safe. Spyware is just like it sounds, it spys on you. Once infected with spyware expect all of your sensitive data to be stolen. Including passwords, contact lists, even documents sometimes. There are that will just collect data and wait for you type in passwords into your trusted websites. Such banks accounts, insrance, facebook etc.
Trojan
A trojan horse is a small program designed to give access to an unauthorized user. It is normally diguised as a program that performs a desirable function. But when the
program is installed the trojan is installed with it. A well written trojan can give the unauthorized user more control over the infected PC than the person at the keyboard.
Worms
Worms are self-replicating computer programs. They use computers networks or the internet to copy themselves to other computers. They seek out computers with security shortcomings to infect. Many worms are designed merely to spread but some will have "payload" that will either help it further infect other computers on the network or to help gain unauthorised access to the target system.
Viruses
Viruses Are self-replicating malicious programs that normally infect executable files. Unlike worms they do not actively seek out new targets over networks.
There are serveral subtypes of walware but theese are the major groups. Malware spreads itself in several ways. Through email, webpages, and file-sharing just to name a few. Alot of new malware will actually pose as legitimate programs trying to help you or scare you into downloading and installing them. I have even seen malware on cooking sites. Keeping an up to date effective anti-virus is normally your only defense.
But if you have problems. Give us a call (317)409-3382 or stop by
7340 East Washington Street
Indianapolis,IN 46219
|
