Computer Malware Brief Introduction

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Summary:
Malware is a term used to describe any "malicious software" program. Malware includes spyware, adware, tracking cookies, Trojan horses, worms, and viruses.

Body:
With the advent of Internet, computer malware programs have become widespread. Malware is a generic term used for any malicious programs such as viruses, Trojan horses, spywares, adwares, worms, etc. These are described briefly in the article.

Virus: A virus is a program that propagates itself by infecting other programs residing on the computer system. Viruses are capable of inflicting serious damage to your system; such as erasing your files or your whole disk, or they may just do lighter things like a pop-up a window with a message.

Worm: A worm can spread itself (without the help of any other program) over the network from one computer to another. Worms replicate without any user intervention, whereas viruses are known to spread through a user. The replication is based on a security flaw in the Operation System or any other applications running on a system.

Trojan horse: A general term, referring to programs that appear innocent, but actually harmful. For example a download that says "birthday greetings" etc. When you download and run it, it may do serious damage to your computer system such as damaging important files or even making the computer unusable. The trojan's contents could also be a virus or worm, which then spread the damage.

Logic bomb: A logic bomb is signified by uniqueness of occurrence. It can be a virus or Trojan horse, but activated on the occurrence of an event in the future.

Tracking cookies are used to monitor your surfing habits. Sometimes, these are also used for logging keystrokes on your computer, known as Keyloggers.

Spyware and Adware: Spyware is a program that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can get in to a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program.

Some frequently asked questions on Security might be found at SimulationExams.com Security+ Exam site.

Home: http://www.simulationexams.com

About the Author:
About: The web site Simulation Exams offers practice tests for Cisco Certifications, Comptia Certifications, and others. Free tutorials and online questions on CCNA, A+, Network+, and others are available.



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