Computer Hijack Defined
A computer hijacking occurs when a computer system comes under the control of a person or program not authorized to control it. Hijacking can take place via several methods.
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The Purposes of Hijacking
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There are many motivations for computer hijacking. They can include mischief, vandalism, data theft, fraud and major criminal activities.
Viruses
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Viruses are software programs that attach themselves to files and make a computer do something unauthorized, like delete files or send e-mails with virus copies. The initial activation of a virus on a computer usually depends on some normally innocuous action taken by a user such as opening an infected file.
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Worms
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Worms are similar to viruses, but they don't depend on user action to become activated. Instead, they propagate themselves across networks and automatically infect vulnerable machines.
Malware
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Malware is software that's placed on a machine where it remains resident for an unauthorized purpose, like stealing passwords or data. Malware can also turn an infected PC into a "bot" that sends out thousands of e-mail spam or phishing messages per hour.
Malicious Website Code
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Some hijacking Websites covertly install hostile programs via a visitor's web browser. The programs can fulfill the same purposes as viruses, worms or malware.
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