Malware - The Many
Faces of Evil
Evil can wear many faces and
have many names. In the struggle to keep unwanted visitors off our computers we
have seen and heard many types of invasions. This article gives a short
explanation of the types of infections that may attach our computer systems.
Malware is the most common name for any
malicious software designed for example to infiltrate, spy on or damage a
computer or other programmable device or system of sufficient complexity, such
as a home or office computer system, network, mobile phone, PDA, automated
device or robot. Some apparently useful programs also contain features with
hidden malicious intent. Such programs are known as Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Spyware and Bots. The term computer virus is used to
denote any type of malware including true viruses.
Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan
horses, spyware, dishonest adware, scareware, crimeware, most rootkits, and
other malicious and unwanted software. Malware is different from legitimate
software that has bugs. The difference is in the intent. Genuine software had a
specific purpose to help businesses, while malware is specific designed to
create havoc.
Businesses today expect that many of the
computers that interact with them on the internet today maybe and are infected
with viruses, particularly because many ordinary users are not aware of how
malware works and may be infected and not know it. In doing business with the
public in this climate, they have built into their systems facilities that scan
and clean infected files and advise users to do the same when they download
files from them.
Legitimate software companies have a
challenge as they develop software to support businesses to plug all possible
loopholes that may be used to target their customers. Symantec in 2008 suggested
that the release rate of malicious code in 2008 exceed the rate of the creation
of legitimate software programs. It is a daunting task to keep up with the
proliferation of malware. Malware is most commonly filtered through emails and
the web.
- are programs which are able to
replicate their structure or effect by integrating themselves or references to
themselves, etc. into existing files or structures on a penetrated computer.
They usually also have a malicious or humorous payload designed to threaten or
modify the actions or data of the host device or system without consent. For
example by deleting, corrupting or otherwise hiding information from its owner.
-
Trojans
(Trojan Horses) are programs which
may pretend to do one thing, but in reality steal information, alter it or cause
other problems on a such as a computer or programmable device or system.
- Spyware includes programs that surreptitiously monitor keystrokes, or
other activity on a computer system and report that information to others
without consent.
-
Worms
are programs which are able to replicate themselves over a (possibly extensive) computer network, and also
perform malicious acts that may ultimately affect a whole society or economy.
Bots are programs that take over and use the resources of a computer system over a network without consent, and
communicate those results to others who may control the Bots.
The above concepts overlap and they can obviously be combined. The terminology, and the dangers involved
are constantly evolving. Antivirus programs and Internet security programs are
useful in protecting a computer or programmable device or system from malware.