Computer Virus is a program that are made by hackers to infect computers. Like the biological virus found in most living organism, it has the ability to replicate itself. The word 'virus' can also refer to Malware, Adware and Spyware but only to those which are able to copy themselves.

For a virus to spread, it has to have a host and a target computer. It can be spread in numerous ways for example, via emails, floppy disk (though they are obsolete), CD, DVD, Thumb drive, websites and instant messaging. And by infecting files on the file system in your computer, it increases their chances of infecting another computer.

I'm sure some of you have come across a virus after scanning your computer. So what's the difference between Worms, Trojan, Spyware and Adware?

Worm

-similar to a virus, considered to be a sub-class of a virus

-unlike a virus, it has the ability to travel without any help from a person.

-take advantage of file or information transport features on your system

-biggest danger is its ability to replicate itself on your computer system

-so rather than your computer sending out one single worm, it could send out hundreds or thousands of copies of itself.

Trojan Horse

-trickery like the mythological Trojan Horse it was infamously named after.

-at first will appear to be useful software but will actually do damage after installation or run on your computer.

-known to create a "backdoor" on your computer, allowing malicious users access to your system

-possibly allowing confidential or personal information to be shared.

-unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not reproduce by infecting other files & they do not self-replicate.

Adware

-it is any computer program or software package in which ads or other marketing material

-automatically loaded by the software and displayed or played back after installation.

Spyware

-software that performs tasks on your computer without consent

-include giving you ads or collecting personal information about you.

-once installed, the spyware monitors your activity on the Internet

-then it sends that information to someone else

-for example, e-mail addresses, passwords and credit card numbers.

-as malicious as the Trojan Horse in that users unknowingly install the product when they install something else.

So as computer users, what can we do?

Well for starters...

1) Activate your firewall under the settings of your computer.

2) Install anti-virus scan and protection.

3) Periodically update your anti-virus program.

4) Do not open suspicious emails and junk emails if you are unsure.

5) Scan your thumbdrive and hard disk or any portable device with the anti virus scan.

Add on tips: It is best to get those Anti-Virus scan which also helps alert you of suspicious and unsafe sites while you surf the net.

GOOD LUCK!

Blogged @ 7:03 AM