Malware is the term used the describe malicious programs and techniques that are not viruses but still pose a threat to your system.
Worm: A worm is an independent program that copies itself across a network. Unlike a virus (which needs the infected file to be copied in order to replicate itself), the worm spreads actively by sending copies of itself via LAN or Internet, email communication, or through operating system security bugs.
They can also bring with them additional malware (such as installing backdoor programs–see below), though this behavior is not strictly limited to worms. Worms can cause a great deal of damage–often they are used to “jam” communication channels by means of a DoS attack. A worm is capable of spreading worldwide, via the Internet, in minutes.
Trojan: A Trojan is a malware program that, unlike viruses or worms, cannot copy itself and infect files. It is usually found in the form of an executable file (.exe, .com) and does not contain anything aside from the Trojan code itself. For this reason, the only solution is to delete it.
Trojans have various functions, from keylogging (they log and transmit every keystroke), to deleting files or disc formatting. Some contain a special feature that installs a backdoor program, (a client-server application that grants the developer remote access to your computer). Unlike common (legitimate) software with similar functions, it installs itself without the consent of the client computer.
Adware: Adware is short for advertising-supported software, which is software dedicated to displaying advertisements. Adware works by displaying pop-up windows during Internet browsing, by setting various websites as your homepage or by opening a special program interface window.
Adware is often bundled with free-to-download programs, and the client is usually informed of this in the End User License Agreement. Adware advertisements allow freeware developers to earn revenue by offering program features available only with the paid version. In most cases, installation of adware falls within legal guidelines–there are many legitimate advertising-supported programs. However, issues such as the assertiveness of advertisements as well as their content can make the legality of some adware questionable.
Spyware: Spyware is software that uses the Internet for collecting various pieces of sensitive information about the user without his/her awareness. Some Spyware programs search for information such as currently installed applications and a history of visited websites. Other Spyware programs are created with a far more dangerous aim: the collection of financial or personal data for the purpose of Identity Theft.
Riskware: This type of malware includes all applications that increase the user’s security risk when running. As with spyware and adware installation, riskware installation may be confirmed by license agreement. “Dialers” are a common example of Riskware–programs that divert connection to a preset paid number. Such programs can be legally used for Internet service payments, but they are often misused and the diverting occurs without the user’s awareness.
Dangerous applications: A dangerous application is the term used for legal programs that, though installed by the user, may subject him/her to security risks. Examples include commercial keylogging or screen capture, remote access tools, password-cracking and security testing programs.
Hoaxes: A hoax is deliberate misinformation sent by email and spread with the help of an unsuspecting or uninformed public. Hoaxes are typically designed to get a user to do something they should not do. Malicious hoaxes often advise users to delete valid operating system files, claiming that the file is a dangerous virus.
In many cases, hoaxes refer to a credible institution/company in order to gain the reader’s attention. For example, “Microsoft warns that…” or “CNN announced”. These messages often warn of disastrous or even catastrophic consequences. The warnings have one thing in common – they urge users to send the messages to everyone they know, which perpetuates the life-cycle of the hoax. 99.9% of these types of messages are hoaxes.
Hoaxes cannot spread by themselves, the only way to protect yourself is to verify the authenticity of an email message’s claims before taking any action.
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