What is Malware?
The word "malware" comes from the term "MALicious softWARE." Malware is any software that infects and damages a computer system without the owner's knowledge or permission. Malware includes computer viruses, computer worms, Trojan horses, spyware, crimeware, rootkits, backdoors and keystroke loggers.
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Computer Viruses
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A computer virus is malware that spreads from one computer system to the next without the user's knowledge or permission by attaching itself to legitimate files and programs.
Computer Worms
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A computer worm is similar to a virus, except that it does not need to attach itself to spread. It uses security vulnerabilities within a network.
Trojan Horses
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A Trojan horse is a program that appears harmless, but is not. An example of a Trojan horse is a file that says it is a software update, when it is actually a program designed to harm your computer.
Spyware
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Spyware is any program that tracks information about you and sends it to someone else, usually in an effort to display advertisements on your computer.
Crimeware
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Crimeware is a term that was created to identify malware that was designed with the intention of perpetrating a crime, usually identity theft.
Rootkits, Backdoors and Keystroke Loggers
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Rootkits, backdoors and keystroke loggers are methods or programs that malware uses to access information or prevent detection. A rootkit is a system that malware can use to prevent detection by modifying the operating system software. Backdoors is a method that allows malware to bypass the normal procedures of a system to gain access. Keystroke loggers are programs that logs what is typed on a computer and sends it to a third party.
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