Malware Defined
Common examples of malicious software include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware.
Malware: Software, such as viruses, intended to damage or disable a computer system; short for malicious software; also written mal-ware.
- Malware can damage your computer and software. Generally they make your computer slow, by hijacking your browser search functions, or pop up windows to scare you into buying products or services like fake antivirus programs. They can affect your registry files as well as collect data from your personal files they may be able to use against you or possibly steal your identity. Sometimes they are used to harvest passwords and account numbers while you type.
Virus: An unauthorized program that inserts itself into a computer system and then propagates itself to other computers via networks or disks; when activated it interferes with the operation of the computer.
- Is your computer running slow? Is it getting hot and the fans do not seem to cool it fast enough? A virus or malware may be taking over your computer. They worm their way into your registry files and send information that is yours back to the author of the virus. We can help you if you think your computer may be infected. A virus is difficult at times to remove from a computer with out damaging the system files or worse. If you let a virus run its course it has the potential of rendering your computer into a technological scrap pile. It can over heat your processor and damage your hard drive. A virus has the potential of attaching its self to multiple programs and spreading through your email and network to multiple computers. Stop a Virus before it stops your productivity.
Worms: Computer worms are malicious software applications designed to spread via computer networks. Computer worms are one form of malware along with viruses and trojans. A person typically installs worms by inadvertently opening an email attachment or message that contains executable scripts.
- Once installed on a computer, worms spontaneously generate additional email messages containing copies of the worm. They may also open Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) ports to create networks security holes for other applications, and they may attempt to “flood” the Local Area Network (LAN) with spurious Denial of Service (DoS) data transmissions.
Trojan Horse: a non-replicating computer program planted illegally in another program to do damage locally when the software is activated.
- A Trojan Horse is a different variation of malware that can cause damage to your system by strategically working in the background to install other programs that will cause damage when you are least expecting it. We can help you make sure your computer is free from these unwanted programs.