Malware: How Viruses Work
Viruses have come to mean
any programs that can find their way on
to your computer and cause harm.
Antivirus Software has come to mean
any program that prevents or
cures threats.
In fact, viruses are only one form of threat: there are many
others. The term
Malware is used to describe all categories of threats.
Malware is software that's
designed for maliscious intent and
loaded
onto your computer without your knowledge or permission. There are more
types of malware than we can reasonably list, so we'll stick with those commonly
known as the
Dirty Dozen.
| • |
Viruses |
• |
Exploits |
• |
Dialers |
• |
Worms |
| • |
Trojans |
• |
Key Loggers |
• |
Root Kits |
• |
Wabbits |
| • |
SpyWare |
• |
Backdoors |
• |
URL Injectors |
• |
AdWare |
To learn more about any of these malware categories, see these two short articles at
Wikipedia
and
ABW (A BEST WEB).
Quick Tips
| 1. |
Anti-virus software does not make you 100% safe.
In fact, the most popular anti-virus software is only
about 85% effective. CHECK
THIS LIST before you buy! |
| 2. |
Viruses don't start themselves: they're embedded
in programs, email or websites. Using the host (program or
email) triggers the virus.
If you don't recognize something, don't open it. |
| 3. |
Worms, on the other hand, are self-replicating and often self-starting: they
can open themselves. You can't see them coming, so don't blame yourself
if you get one.
|
| 4. |
If someone gives you pictures or music on media (CD, thumb drive, hard
drive), ask them what Anti-Virus software they use. If they can not answer your question,
lose the disc. |
| 5. |
Share sites (eMule, Limewire, Kazaa, etc.) are death. We've pulled shares where as many as 70% of the files we dowloaded in one session were infected.
If you have to use share sites, use a an isolated computer, load good antivirus software, and remove your network connection when you fire up new downloads. Old, unused computers are best for this.
|
Macs Are Not Virus Proof
Macs have traditionaly had a small market share and, as such, have not been target by vast amounts of malware. As such, antivirus software selections for Macs are limited. Both facts are changing. If you own a Mac, it's a good idea to think about protection.
How Does Malware Get In To Your Computer?
Malware is contained in files.
Anytime you plug something into your
computer
that contains, moves, or transmits files, you can contract malware. That
includes:
| • |
An Internet Connection* |
• |
A Network Router** |
• |
A Hard Drive |
| • |
Other Computers* |
• |
USB Flash Drive |
• |
Flash Cards |
| • |
File Sharing Sites* |
• |
CDs & DVDs |
• |
Floppy Discs |
| • |
Some MP3 Players* |
• |
Flash Memory Cards |
• |
Zip Drives |
You
should not find Malware on new or blank formatted media of any kind. It's possible, but no more likely than finding a contaminated bottle of Tylenol.
*Items with an asterisk present
more risk because their content is outside of your control and change constantly.
iTunes anti-sharing measures make iPods a little less risky,
but they're not perfectly safe (
Read
More).
**Routers pose no danger unless
connected to the internet or multiple computers.
