Geek Speaks on Thursday 17/01/08
Hello fellow popizens!! Introducing a new sub segment and it will be featured at the sidebar if you need to follow up with the articles under Geek Speaks. It will be on every Thursday.
This is the first issue and since yesterday, I was pretty busy, I could only come up with this. But, good enough for a start!
Taken from IN newsletter Monday 14/01/08
How do you protect your computer from viruses, worms and other security threats? Here's our survival guide
WHAT IS MALWARE?
Malware is malicious software - programs designed to damage or interfere with your computer. It comes in different forms, the most common being viruses, worms, Trojan hourse and spyware.
Viruses attach themselves to programs or files. When you launch these, the virus is activated. It spreads when you send the infected file to someone else, or through emails the virus sends to your contacts.
A worm is similar, except it spreads on its own without needing to attach to a program or file.
Trojan horses are files that seem harmless until you run them. Some create a 'backdoor' to your system that lets intruders in without your knowledge, allowing them to read your personal data.
Spyware are programs that take over some of your computer's functions, hijacking your browser, flooding your screen with unwanted ads, or tracking what sites you visit.
WHAT SORT OF DAMAGE DOES MALWARE CAUSE?
Malicious programs can do anything from slowing down your system and taking over certain functions, to wiping out your files and crashing your computer.
This wastes time and money as users try to fix the problem. Every year, billions of dollars are spent repairing or replacing computers infected by malware.
HOW DO I AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM?
If you haven't already, you need to download the anti-malware programs mentioned above. These will try to get rid of the malware or confine it to a safe area so it cannot be activated.
Unfortunately this may still result in your files being delted, programs not working or your computer crashing. You may have to repair your hard drive or reinstall your operating system. So, as with all computer threats, prevention is better than cure.
This is the first issue and since yesterday, I was pretty busy, I could only come up with this. But, good enough for a start!
Taken from IN newsletter Monday 14/01/08
How do you protect your computer from viruses, worms and other security threats? Here's our survival guide
WHAT IS MALWARE?
Malware is malicious software - programs designed to damage or interfere with your computer. It comes in different forms, the most common being viruses, worms, Trojan hourse and spyware.
Viruses attach themselves to programs or files. When you launch these, the virus is activated. It spreads when you send the infected file to someone else, or through emails the virus sends to your contacts.
A worm is similar, except it spreads on its own without needing to attach to a program or file.
Trojan horses are files that seem harmless until you run them. Some create a 'backdoor' to your system that lets intruders in without your knowledge, allowing them to read your personal data.
Spyware are programs that take over some of your computer's functions, hijacking your browser, flooding your screen with unwanted ads, or tracking what sites you visit.
WHAT SORT OF DAMAGE DOES MALWARE CAUSE?
Malicious programs can do anything from slowing down your system and taking over certain functions, to wiping out your files and crashing your computer.
This wastes time and money as users try to fix the problem. Every year, billions of dollars are spent repairing or replacing computers infected by malware.
HOW DO I AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM?
- Install anti-virus software, an anti-spyware program and a personal firewall. The latter monitors what goes in and out of your computer, stopping harmful programs from entering, and your personal information from being sent out without your consent.
- Never download or install anything from unknown websites, including interactive or active content.
- Unless you know exactly what it is, never open or forward an email attachment or file sent by instant messenger, even if it is from someone you know. If you're not sure, delete it and then empty your trash folder.
- Regularly download updates for all important programs such as your operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. This ensures they can defend you against any new viruses discovered.
If you haven't already, you need to download the anti-malware programs mentioned above. These will try to get rid of the malware or confine it to a safe area so it cannot be activated.
Unfortunately this may still result in your files being delted, programs not working or your computer crashing. You may have to repair your hard drive or reinstall your operating system. So, as with all computer threats, prevention is better than cure.
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