ThreatsHow does the Internet create security risks for my computer?
The Internet works by allowing one computer to send information to another computer across a network of worldwide computers. Rather than going directly to the intended computer, data often passes through several intermediate computers. Each intermediate computer has the potential to see the contents of data being transmitted — creating a security risk.

Other security risks can be created from files and programs downloaded to your computer or sent via e-mail. Some programs, called ‘viruses’ are written to intentionally damage your computer and the data stored on it. Make sure security updates for your operating system (Microsoft Windows or MAC OS X for example) are consistently installed on your computer. In addition, ensure your firewall, antivirus, and anti-spyware software are up-to-date with the latest definitions.

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What is ‘malware’?
‘Malware’ is a generic term used to describe viruses, spyware, adware, Trojan horse, rootkits, worms or any other program with malicious intent.

What is a ‘virus’?
A virus is a program or piece of code that is installed and runs on your computer without your knowledge. Viruses can also replicate themselves and are often designed so that they automatically spread to other computer users. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail, as downloads, or via diskettes or CDs. Some viruses are harmless, but most can be quite damaging by erasing data or causing your hard disk to reformat.

What is a ‘worm’?
Worms are a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. Worms most often use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user. It’s common for worms to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing or halting other applications and traffic.

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What is a ‘Trojan horse’?
A Trojan horse is a malicious code that is contained inside seemingly harmless programs or data. The purpose of a Trojan horse is to gain control of the computer and execute whatever it had been program to do. Many Trojan horses are designed to damage data on your hard drives, send back personal information, or corrupt your hard drive. In one celebrated case, a Trojan horse was programmed to find and destroy computer viruses. A Trojan horse may be widely redistributed as part of a computer virus.

What is ‘adware’?
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen.

What is ‘spyware’?
Spyware is software installed on your computer without your knowledge that gathers information such as surfing habits, for later retrieval by advertisers and/or other interested parties. It can record and send through the Internet your keystrokes, history, passwords, and other confidential and private information. It is often sold as a spouse monitor, child monitor, surveillance tool, or a tool for spying on users to gain unauthorized access. It can enter a computer as a virus or through installation of a new program.

What is a ‘rootkit’?
A rootkit is a set of processes or files that installs itself on your system without your knowledge or permission. Rootkits attempt to hide from antivirus, anti-spyware, and system management utilities. Originally, rootkits were used on UNIX® based systems for benign purposes. Today however, rootkits may be used to create a backdoor into your system for malicious purposes – such as intercepting information sent from your system, logging your keystrokes, using your system for denial of service attacks, and other deviant activities. Rootkits exist on multiple operating systems including UNIX®, Linux, Solaris®, and Microsoft Windows®.

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What is a ‘zombie’ computer?
A ‘zombie’ computer is a system that has often been compromised by a virus. The virus typically installs remote access software on the compromised machine and the ‘host’ machine takes control of the compromised computer. Zombie computers are often used to send spam or send overwhelming amounts of traffic to a targeted server- causing it to crash. This form of attack is called a Distributed Denial of Service Attack.

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