Internet Threats

Malware is an abbreviated term meaning "malicious software." This is software that is specifically designed to gain access or damage a computer without the knowledge of the owner. There are various types of malware including spyware, keyloggers, true viruses, worms, or any type of malicious code that infiltrates a computer.

Generally, software is considered malware based on the intent of the creator rather than its actual features. Malware creation is on the rise due to the sheer volume of new types created daily and the lure of money that can be made through organized Internet crime. Malware was originally created as experiments and pranks, but eventually led to vandalism and destruction of targeted machines. Today, much of malware is created for profit through forced advertising (adware), stealing sensitive information (spyware), spread spam email or child pornography (zombie computers), or to extort money (ransomware).

Various factors can make computers more vulnerable to malware attacks, including defects in the operating system design, having all of the computers on a network run the same OS, giving users to much permissions or just using the Windows OS (due to its popularity, it gets the most malware written for it).

The best protection from malware continues to be the usual advice: be careful about what email attachments you open, be cautious when surfing and stay away from suspicious websites, and install and maintain an updated, quality antivirus program.

•  Virus:  a malicious program designed to replicate itself and transfer from one computer to another.
• Worm: a malicious program that transfers from one computer to another by any types of means.
• Trojan: a malicious program that is disguised as a useful program, but once installed or used it leaves your computer open access to hackers and threats.
• Spyware: a program that runs in the background without you knowing it.
• Adware: a program designed to send you advertisements, most as pop-ups.
• Spam: unwanted email, mostly from bots or advertisers.
• Phishing: its goal is to acquire sensitive personal information such as passwords and credit card details.
• Pharming:  a more complicated way of phishing which exploits the DNS (Domain Name Server)