Malware

Malware

1. virus - This is a piece of code that is designed to replicate itself throughout the computer or network. For example it will add itself to a file on your computer and, every time the file is opened, the virus runs and once more seeks out other files to infect.

2. scareware - Scareware will cause a pop-up to appear on your screen which will say something like 'Your computer has a virus. To clear the problem please purchase this software', and a link is provided in the pop-up.

3. rootkits - Rootkits give other people permissions and access to your computer, allowing them to take it over remotely and do whatever they like. this is mosty used in a helpful manner but some people have figured out ways to do it malicously

4. ransomware - Ransomware encrypts critical files and data, making them unusable. Eventually it presents the user with a ransom, demanding money be sent to the attackers to unlock the system.

5. click-fraud - Click fraud malware aims to use your computer resources to open certain web sites and send a mouse click to the adverts. Every click makes them money.

6. pharming - Pharming malware will infect your browser, redirecting you to an identical looking, but fake website. It does this by telling your browser to look for a different IP address to the genuine site to that of the fake website thus redirecting you to the phoney site.

7. trojan - A trojan appears to be a harmless application - a downloaded game for example. You play the game, but meanwhile it is running in the background carrying out its real intent - maybe letting someone else access to your computer.

8. worm - This behaves just like a virus, but does not necessarily harm files. Instead, it tries to copy itself so many times that the whole system runs out of resources and crashes.

9. spyware - Spyware stays hidden out of view and is designed to spy on your computer, looking for personal information, passwords and so on. It does this by using a key logger to record every key pressed on the keyboard. It might also take screen shots. This information is then sent secretly over the internet to the criminals.

10. adware - This malware can force your browser to display unwanted pop-up advertisements. It can cause pages that you didn't request to open up taking you to unwanted web sites. (e.g. a porn site)