We look at the history of Windows Read more. Website Shortcut on Your Desktop reviewed by Web Webster This Webopedia guide will show you how to create a website shortcut on your desktop using What are the Five Generations of Computers? Reviewed by Web Webster Learn about each of the 5 generations of computers and major technology developments that have led to the computing devices that Launched in , Hotmail was one of the first public webmail services that could be accessed from any web browser.
At its peak in Related Articles. Lucas Ledbetter - January 12, 0. Reference The Complete List of From A3 to ZZZ we list Vangie Beal - January 10, 0. Lucas Ledbetter - January 10, 0. Although malware originated from infecting computers, it can now infect anything with a microprocessor , such as a smart watch , light bulb, or automobile. As previously mentioned, malware is an umbrella term for different types of malicious software.
The first category of malware is categorized by how the malware spreads. These are the more well-known types, including worms, viruses, and trojans. A virus is a piece of computer code that inserts itself within the code of another standalone program to alter the way a computer operates. To be considered a virus, it must execute and replicate itself. Some viruses are benign; they only replicate themselves across systems and present text, video, or audio messages.
But some viruses are programmed to damage the computer by destroying programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard disk. There are five types of viruses:.
A worm is a standalone piece of software that replicates itself as it moves from system to system without the use of a host file. This is different from a virus in that a virus requires an infected host file to spread. Worms generally exist inside other files, such as Word or Excel files. A worm is commonly spread by software vulnerabilities or phishing attacks. It can modify and delete files, inject malicious software onto computers, replicate itself over and over to deplete system resources, steal data, and install an entryway for hackers to gain access.
A trojan, or trojan horse, is a program that does not replicate itself, but instead masquerades itself as something desirable. When a user activates the trojan, the malicious code contained inside can cause loss or theft of data. In order for a trojan to spread, a user must invite it into their computer, such as opening an email attachment. The name for this malware comes from the Greek legend of the Trojan War, in which the Greeks gifted the Trojans a giant, wooden horse.
This list is much broader in terms of attack techniques and include malware types such as spyware, rootkit, and ransomware. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the internet; however, the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity and transmits that information in the background to someone else.
Spyware can also gather information about email addresses , passwords, and credit card numbers. A rootkit is a program or collection of software tools that provides privileged access in an operating system while concealing its presence. Behaving as benign programs, they hide malicious software designed to infiltrate a computer or a network, allowing cybercriminals access to protected data and the ability to take over the system undetected.
Rootkits can be installed through a USB or downloaded onto a computer via social engineering tactics like phishing. Once installed, rootkits are unnoticeable and can block security tools like antivirus software.
Adware is software that forces your browser to redirect to web advertisements, which often will seek to download more malicious software.
Adware is not always malicious, and is considered a legitimate alternative offered to consumers who do not wish to pay for software. There are many ad-supported programs, games, or utilities that are distributed as adware or freeware. Ransomware often infiltrates a PC as a computer worm or Trojan horse that takes advantage of open security vulnerabilities.
Most ransomware attacks are the result of clicking on an infected email attachment or visiting hacked or malicious websites. Malvertising injects malicious code into legitimate online advertising networks. As an example, a cybercriminal may pay to place an advertisement on a legitimate website. When a user clicks on the ad, the malicious code in the ad either redirects them to a malicious website or installs malware on their computer.
Antivirus software, also known as anti-malware software, is a program or set of programs designed to prevent, detect, and remove malware. Antivirus software can:. Antivirus software runs as a background process , scanning the computer to detect and restrict the spread of malware. Most antivirus programs include real-time threat detection and protection. In order for this software to comprehensively scan a system, it must be given privileged access to the entire system.
This vulnerability causes antivirus software itself to become a common target. Some antivirus vendors offer free, basic versions of their product.
These versions typically offer the basic antivirus and spyware protection. More advanced features and protections are available with a paid subscription. Top antivirus software providers include:.
Typical signs of malware include unusual activity on a computer such as sudden loss of disc space, slow speeds, repeated crashes or freezes, or an increase in pop-up advertisements. Even if only 1 per cent of internet users fell for a scam and exposed their credit-card details, their losses could add up to millions of dollars, Ms Connor said. Top virus-infected websites exposed. Please try again later.
The Sydney Morning Herald. Updated August 20, — Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size.
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