Malware and Related Threats

Malware is possibly the most common threat to computer information security. It is a term coined to mean “malicious software.” The term covers threats such as viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses. Spam and phishing are also related threats.

The problem with malware—and sometimes spam and phishing—is that it can be exploited by criminals to gain access to or destroy information stored on computers. As a result, personal information can be stolen and, in some cases, used as a basis for identity theft.

These are very serious threats; therefore, it’s important that you know what they are and how to prevent them. Here are some definitions.

• Viruses: A virus is a program that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs without your permission. Viruses can copy themselves and infect many or all files on a computer. Viruses are usually malicious and can be disguised as email attachments or files on the Internet containing games or useful programs.
• Worms: A worm is a form of virus that spreads form computer to computer by creating copies of itself. Typically, works send copies to other computers through network connections, email, infected web pages or instant messages. Worms can be designed to flood networks with traffic, slowing them to a halt. They can also carry malicious software that does other forms of damage.
• Trojan Horses: A Trojan Horse is a program that pretends to be useful or desirable but actually contains damaging software.
• Spam: Spam is unsolicited email that is usually sent by a commercial enterprise and often is an attempt to sell you something. Spam is annoying, sometimes offensive, but typically not a serious security threat. It can become a huge time waster trying to clean up your email in-box.
• Phishing: Phishing is an attempt to steal your identity and commit fraud by sending deceptive email. Never respond to an email even if it seems to come from a familiar source such as your bank or online auction site that you use. Never enter personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account, username or password that would allow the sender to steal your money or your identity.