Systems Threats

Systems Threats

1. Malware

   • Preventing malware • Strong security software (firewall, spam filter, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam) • Enable OS updates • Staff training: caution opening attachments • Back up files regularly
   • The effects of malware • The computer may crash, reboot spontaneously or slow down without any logical explanation. • When a worm infects a computer, the internet connection may become slow as the worm searches online for other computers to infect. • Files may be deleted, become corrupt or encrypted. However, the worst symptoms of malware are often the ones that you do not see. Malware might be designed to record the keys that you press on your keyboard, for example, creating a text log that your computer sends to a hacker periodically. The hacker then scans the text log, looking for passwords that he can use to access your email or bank accounts.
   • Malware—software written to infect computers and commit crimes such as fraud and identity theft. Malware has become big business in the cyber underworld. As a result, if you use a computer for web surfing, shopping, banking, email, instant messaging, and gaming without proper protection, you are putting yourself at high risk of being victimized. By exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and browsers, malware can sneak malicious Trojan horse programs onto unsecured PCs. Unsuspecting and unprotected users can also download Trojans, thinking they are legitimate game, music player, movie, and greeting card files. Trojans can also lurk in files shared between friends, family, and coworkers using peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Trojans have traditionally hidden in worms and viruses spread by email, but they’re increasingly showing up in instant messages and mobile phones. Organized crime rings have devised new ways of delivering Trojans, and consumers must stay informed of the l