Viruses and Malwares
Computer Viruses
A computer virus is a program that can duplicate itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the computer user. “Virus” does not refer to other programs that do not have the reproductive ability such as Malware, Adware, or Spyware. Viruses are usually confused with Worms and Trojan Horses, which are technically different.
Trojan Horses
Trojan Horses, also referred to as Trojans, appear to perform desirable functions but actually execute hidden malicious functions that allow unauthorized access to the users’ machine via a “back door”.
Computer Worms
A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program. It copies itself across networks infecting anyone connected. Unlike a virus, a worm does not need to attach itself to existing programs. Many worms are only designed to spread, and don’t attempt to alter the systems they pass through, and may only consume bandwidth. Whereas viruses almost always corrupt or eradicate files on a computer.
Root Kits
When a malicious program is installed on a computer, its goal is to stay hidden to the user, avoid detection and anti-virus scans. Rootkits enable this concealment by modifying the operating system, preventing its malicious process from being visible in the system’s list of processes, or by using read only files. Rootkits may also install a “back door” by replacing the login mechanism with an executable file that accepts a secret login.
Malware
Malware or, Malicious Software, is designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system as a program containing viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, spyware, adware, crimeware, and basically any malicious or unwanted software.
Spyware
Spyware is computer software that is installed secretly on a computer to collect information about a user, their computer, or browsing habits without informed consent. Spyware can also install malware, redirect web browsers and change computer settings resulting in changed homepages, loss of internet or functionality of other programs.
Adware
Adware is a computer software package that plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed or while the program is being used. Some Adware can also contain Spyware.
Crimeware
Crimeware is a type of malware designed to automate financial or political crime. Crimeware is created to perpetrate identity theft in order to access a users online financial accounts, and online retailers to inherit funds from those accounts. Anti-Phishing or Phishing Filters have been created to distinguish between authentic websites and look-a-like websites.