Protection From
Malware
// What is Malware?
Malware is a malicious program designed to infect your computer. It an umbrella phrase that includes Trojan horses, Spyware, adware, etc.
// Why are malware infections a significant threat?
Malware is designed for many malicious purposes and can pose a wide range of threats depending on the specific program. Some of the most dangerous types of malware are able to quickly cripple your operating system, steal your valuable data, and leave you wondering how it happened.
// How is Malware spread?
Malware is spread when the system user actively downloads the program, usually after being deceived. For example, you may download the malware as part of another program, like a game, or you may download it from a file enclosed in spam. There are two main strategies at work here. The first is called piggybacking, which is a strategy whereby the malware is downloaded with a desired program. The second is akin to a Trojan Horse. This strategy masquerades the Malware as a desirable program, even as a security software!
// Where does malware reside?
Depending on the type and the design purpose, malware can reside in most parts of the computer including the active memory.
// Which features does malware exploit?
Malware designers and operators are very good at finding weaknesses in computers, operating systems, programs, and even computer users. They then design programs that use these weaknesses in order to infect the computer and deliver their payload. (link to glossary)
5th September 2010 | More...
