Malware - What's that? How to prevent it.
What is malware?
"Malware" is short for malicious software and used as a single term to refer to virus, spyware, worm etc. Malware is designed to cause damage to a stand alone computer or a networked pc. So wherever a malware term is used it means a program which is designed to damage your computer it may be a virus, worm or Trojan.
What differentiates viruses, spyware, cookies, etc?
Worms:-
Worms are malicious programs that make copies of themselves again and again on the local drive, network shares, etc. The only purpose of the worm is to reproduce itself again and again. It doesn't harm any data/file on the computer. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems
Virus:-
Virus is a program written to enter to your computer and damage/alter your files/data. A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer. Viruses can also replicate themselves. A computer Virus is more dangerous than a computer worm as it makes changes or deletes your files while worms only replicates itself with out making changes to your files/data.
Trojans: - A Trojan horse is not a virus. It is a destructive program that looks as a genuine application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive. Trojans also open a backdoor entry to your computer which gives malicious users/programs access to your system, allowing confidential and personal information to be theft.
Adware: - Generically adware is a software application in which advertising banners are displayed while any program is running. Adware can automatically get downloaded to your system while browsing any website and can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen automatically. Adwares are used by companies for marketing purpose.
Spywares: - Spyware is a type of program that is installed with or without your permission on your personal computers to collect information about users, their computer or browsing habits tracks each and everything that you do without your knowledge and send it to remote user. It also can download other malicious programs from internet and install it on the computer. Spyware works like adware but is usually a separate program that is installed unknowingly when you install another freeware type program or application.
Tracking cookies: - A cookie is a plain text file that is stored on your computer in a cookies folder and it stores data about your browsing session. Cookies are used by many websites to track visitor information A tracking cookie is a cookie which keeps tracks of all your browsing information and this is used by hackers and companies to know all your personal details like bank account details, your credit card information etc. which is dangerous .
Misleading applications: - Misleading applications misguide you about the security status of your computer and shows you that your computer is infected by some malware and you have to download the tool to remove the threat. As you download the tool it shows some threats in your computer and to remove it you have to buy the product for which it asks some personal information like credit card information etc. which is dangerous.
**Remember, malware/antivirus software can slow down your computer**
Because the software has to scan files as you download or transfer them there is a delay.
What you can do to prevent malware, viruses, spyware, trojans, tracking cookies, adware, etc.
Install an antivirus program like:
****Do not install more than one antivirus in your computer****
www.bitdefender.com (PC top rated by independent studies)
www.webroot.com (PC top rated by pc magazine)
www.norton.com (PC and Macintosh)
www.mcafee.com (PC and Macintosh)
~~Free Antivirus~~
windows.microsoft.com/mse (PC - free)
free.avg.com (PC – free)
www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download (PC - free)
www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx (Macintosh - free)
www.mylookout.com/download (iPhone and Android phones)
Also install a malware program like (both are free):
www.malwarebytes.org
http://www.comodo.com/business-security/network-protection/cleaning_essentials.php
Check your computer for the July 9th 2012 malware/virus:
http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363
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