.: Viruses And Spyware
By:Ken James
Computer viruses and spyware are some of the types of malicious software (malware) that propagate and affect computer users.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is the term coined for a malicious software program, which enters into a user’s system and copies itself into various files. The analogy is similar to that of a biological virus, which propagates by copying itself into living cells.
Most viruses are intentionally destructive. They either destroy data, or the file system of the host they’ve infected. In the latter case, the destruction of the file system will often lead to a complete system crash.
What are the types of viruses?
• Bombs: These are viruses that hide in the system until triggered. Viruses that activate on a particular date or time are called ‘time bombs’. Viruses that trigger when the computer performs a specific action are called ‘logic bombs’.
• Trojan Horses: This is an innocuous-looking computer program. It pretends to do one thing – for example, claim to be a cheat code for a game. However, when activated, it could affect the computer in various ways – it could attack data, send out personal information, allow hackers access to your computer, etc.
• Worms: A worm is a software program that exploits security flaws across computer networks to replicate itself. Once it is resident on a system, it will search for security flaws on other systems, and replicate itself onto that system.
• Email viruses: This spreads by automatically mailing copies of itself to people in your address book.
How do viruses spread?
Before the use of computer networks increased, viruses spread over removable media like floppy disks and ZIP disks. As the use of personal computers spread over homes, businesses and college campuses, bulletin boards began to spring into existence. Viruses were often loaded onto bulletin boards disguised as helpful software. Bulletin boards were responsible for the spread of Trojans.
Viruses also spread through pirated copies of official software. Such a virus is written in the scripting language of that particular software and loaded on the bootleg CD.
Today viruses spread mainly via the Internet, using email and Instant Messengers to infect networked computers.
How to protect your computer from viruses
The only way to prevent your computer from being infected is to install an anti-virus software. There are two ways anti-virus software work. One is to use a heuristical algorithm that looks for common ways viruses work. The other, more common way is to create a list of virus signature definitions. As new viruses are being created and discovered every day, it is important to constantly update your anti-virus definitions. Also, most anti-virus software have an option whereby your system is scanned continuously while it is on. Every file you open is first scanned for a virus. You must keep this option running to stay protected.
What is spyware?
Spyware refers to malware that intercepts or takes partial control of a user’s machine, without the informed consent of the user or the owner of the machine. Generally, spyware operates for the benefit of a third party.
Most spyware watches for user data, what a user does with his machine, etc. It then sends out that information over the Internet. For example, spyware can collect data on the software loaded on the user’s machine, and send it via the Internet to a software vendor. Some spyware use this data to download ads to your computer – these are called adware. In worse-case scenarios, spyware can access passwords and credit card information, and distribute this across the Internet.
How does spyware spread?
Most spyware spreads through users being deceived into installing it. They often trick users by attaching themselves to highly desirable software, like MSN Messenger, for example. Often, web popups mislead users into clicking them, thus leading to them unknowingly downloading a spyware program.
Spyware can also spread through security flaws in a user’s operating system or web browser. Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Internet Explorer have been recent victims of spyware through security flaws.
How to protect your computer from spyware
• Most anti-virus software also scan for spyware along with viruses.
• Install specific anti-spyware programs like Ad-Aware.
• Regularly download and run security patches for your operating system.
• Be careful. Don’t click on suspicious-looking popup ads. Use only one credit card if making transactions online.
• Install a firewall to prevent spyware from illegally accessing your computer.
• Try scanning your PC with an anti-spyware product such as Spyspotter.
Article keywords: Spyspotter
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
The article “Viruses and Spyware” is brought to you by Spyspotter anti-spyware program and system defender. www.spyspotter.com
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