• View
• Edit
• History
• Source
• Backlinks
• Set Attributes

• login

< KnowledgeBase | Knowledge Base | Memory >

Malicious software is a general term for any software that is undesirable or destructive, such as "viruses", "worms" and "spyware". Malicious software is often referred to as "malware". Due to security problems with MS Windows, precautionary measures such as commercial antivirus and anti-spyware software are needed. Non-Windows Operating Systems, such as Mac OS X and UNIX are typically unaffected, at this time.

Malicious software is typically distributed via vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer browser (in so-called "drive-by downloads", visiting a compromised site automatically causes malicious software to be installed due to security problems in that browser) and Microsoft Outlook e-mail client (a virus is delivered as an specially crafted e-mail attachment which triggers bugs in Outlook which cause the software to be installed).

Another common installation route is software downloaded from disreputable websites. Ironically, malicious software is being distributed as fake antivirus software.

"Spyware" is software which spies on a users activities and reports them back to its creator; spyware is typically used for identity theft. A "virus" is software which malevolently destroys the operating environment, often by deleting files. Any type of malware which propagates itself across a network by hijacking infected computers to transmit the infection is called a "worm". Any malware which is installed with another piece of software which appears (for example the fake antivirus software) to be desirable is called a "trojan horse".

Combating Malware

We strongly recommend that Windows computers have up to date antivirus software such as Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast, or AVG, all of which are free.

See also

• The Great Worm of 1988 devastated the Internet and lead to the first malware related conviction. It was also notable for targeting several variants of the "sendmail" daemon on UNIX.
• BotNet, one use for worms.

Categories: Security, Windows

< KnowledgeBase | K.B. Index | Memory >