Joonstin Wonberlake

Virus

It is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another computer that interferes with computer operation. It may corrupt or delete data on a computer.

Computer virus might use e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers. It might even delete everything on the hard disk. Viruses are most easily spread by e-mail messages or instant messages. As soon as you open the attachment in the messages, the viruses spread. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. They might be hidden in the files that you download.

Removing computer viruses are difficult without the help of computer virus removal tools. Some viruses reinstall themselves after they have been removed. In this case, by updating the computer and using antivirus tools, you can permanently remove unwanted software. To remove a computer virus, you should first install the latest updates from Microsoft Update on the computer. Next, update the antivirus software on the computer. By using it, you can detect the viruses. Finally, download, install and use the Microsoft Removal Tool to remove the viruses on the computer.

To avoid the computer viruses, turn on the firewall on your computer. You should also keep the computer operating system up-to-date so that the computer updates automatically. By using updated antivirus software and antispyware software, you can keep your computers safe.

Trojan Horse

It is a type of virus that is common but difficult to remove. It attempts to make users think that it is a beneficial application. It works by hiding within a set of seemingly useful software programs. Once it is installed, it starts infecting other files in the computer. A Trojan Horse Virus can steal important information from the computers. Since the computers are infected, it becomes slow and unexpected windows pop up. It results to a computer crash.

The Trojan Horse can be spread in the guise of literally anything people find desirable, such as a free game, movie, song, etc. Carelessly opened email attachment can be one of the causes. The Trojans usually damage silently.

One of the best ways to get rid of Trojan Horse is to back up entire hard disk, reformat the disk and re-install the operating system and all applications from original CDs. Once you are not infected anymore, you can restore your files from the back up. (If it is too hard, you can pay for a professional repair service to do it.) Other ways to stop the Trojan Horse is to use Anti-Virus Software and Anti-Trojan Programs.

To avoid getting infected in the future, the users have to be really careful and responsible. You should never download from the sites which you are not perfectly sure about. You must be sure what the file is before opening it. You should be certain of both the source and content of each file you download.

Worm

It is similar to a virus by design and is considered to be a sub-class of a virus. Worms spread from computer to computer, but unlike a virus, it can travel without any human action. After lodging itself on one machine, a worm can spawn several clones of itself. They march forward to conquer the cyber world.

Once the machine is connected to the net, a warm spreads. A worm opens your email address book and dispatch one clone each to each of the addresses listed. Chats and Instant messaging software also acts as unwitting carriers enabling the worm to spread like wildfire throughout the cyber world.

Similar to other computer viruses, by using anti-virus and anti-spyware program, you can get rid of computer worms and free your systems.

If you do not want worms in your computers, NEVER open the e-mail attachments that you are not familiar with. Also, avoid the attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS or PIF. Do not share your folders with other users unless necessary.

Phishing

Phishing is the term coined by hackers who imitate legitimate companies in e-mails to entice people to share passwords or credit-card numbers. It is basically a method of online identity theft. Phishers can also infect computers with viruses and convince people to participate unwittingly in money laundering.

Phishers first decide which business to target and determine how to get e-mail addresses for the customers of that business. Then they create methods for delivering the message and collecting the data. The phishers then send phony messages that appear to be from a reputable source. Phishers record the information victims enter into web pages or popup windows. Finally, they use the information they have gathered to make illegal purchases or commit fraud. A fourth of the victims never fully recover.

Once you get phished, it is impossible to get rid of it. (You can report phishing to the groups that serve as anti-phishing groups) So it is really important to avoid phishing. To avoid phishing :

1. Do not trust emails urgently requesting personal financial information.

2. Be sure not to call any number or use any link in the suspected email as this may put you in the hands of those responsible for the phishing attack.

3. Be suspicious of impersonal emails and email links.

4. Never fill out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.

5. Regularly log into your online accounts.

Reference

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