Types of Threats to Computers
The phrase malicious software, or malware, describes programs that may damage or alter the function of a computer system upon the software's arrival. Examples of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware and riskware. Anti-virus and anti-spyware programs scan for this malicious software and typically do well at removing the threat. But scans must occur often and users must express caution in their computer activities.
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Viruses
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Computer viruses spread through infection. The type of virus dictates how, and where, it infects a system. Resident viruses infect the random access memory (RAM), or short-term memory storage system, of a system. Boot viruses start on floppy disks, spread into the associated floppy disk drive, and pass into the system from there.
Many viruses are easily found using anti-virus software. But some viruses hide well from scans. Polymorphic viruses hide by constantly changing their encryption so the scan can't recognize it.
Worms
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Worms replicate like viruses but do not need to infect anything to replicate. Worms move quickly, wiggling through vulnerabilities in the system, and pass from one computer to the next easily. Primary methods of worm infection include email and chat programs.
Virus software usually spots worms. Failure to control worms could result in the collapse of the computer network because of the strain they cause.
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Trojans
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Trojans, or trojan horses, get their name from the hollow wooden horse in mythology that Greek warriors hid inside to sneak into Troy. Trojans don't infect files or replicate themselves. They come disguised as, or attached to, a seemingly harmless program. When the program launches, the trojan sets loose to damage the system.
Trojans can damage the hard drive, delete files, and/or create a way for a hacker to gain full access to the computer system.
Spyware and Riskware
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Spyware often hides within a harmless software product the user downloads. The spyware tracks the user's movements for a specific reason, such as targeting ads to the user or the collection of personal information. Spyware often shows no signs of being installed and thus may go unnoticed unless virus scans run frequently.
Riskware software is harmless on its own. But this type of software forms a base upon which hackers can build malicious programs. Having riskware present makes the computer more vulnerable to attack.
Rootkits
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Rootkits hide what hackers are up to in a system. Rootkits even cloak themselves from anti-virus software so that a user is unaware that the rootkit is present and helping a hacker create further malware in the system. Rootkit scanners can detect these invasions better than the standard anti-virus or anti-spyware software.
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References
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