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Types of Spyware and Other Computer Infestations
Malware
Malware is short for Malicious software.
This is any type of program that disrupts a computer system.
Examples of malware are viruses, Trojan horses, or worms.
Adware
Adware refers to any free program that comes with
advertisement on it. An adware in itself is not intended to be
malicious.
Spyware
Spyware is like an
adware, except it secretly spies your computer to collect
information.
Trojan
horse
A Trojan horse is a malicious program that
silently self-installs on the computer.
After being executed, a hacker uses the Trojan horse as a backdoor
in order to take control and attack the computer with a virus.
Browser
Hijacker
A browser hijacker is also referred as a web page
hijacker or a url hijacker.
This type of software changes the internet browser’s homepage
and forces a user to visit websites directed by the program.
Changing the browser’s homepage will not fix the problem
because the hijacker utility is constantly being auto-activated.
Dialer
A dialer is a program that alters a computer’s
dialup connection settings so that the modem will automatically dial
expensive toll numbers, like 0900 and international ones. Not being
aware of this program or not removing it might leave the user with a
high phone bill.
Worm
A Worm is a software that replicates itself
through a computer network in order to spread.
Parasiteware
Parasiteware is derived from the words ‘Parasite’
and ‘Software’. This
software self-installs on the computer without your consent and will
track all of your browsing activities.
Every time you visit a website, the parasiteware will attempt
to change the affiliate url (this is the sales tracking link) and
replace it with the attacker’s for the sole purpose of getting
commission.
In other words, if you have a parasiteware on your computer,
every time you buy something online, someone who doesn’t deserve it
might get the commission.
Keylogger
A keylogger is a utility
that records your computer keyboard keystrokes for the purpose of
sending back private information to the attacker.
Information such as
passwords, images of your pc are at risk of being exposed if you
have a keylogger installed.
Like most malicious software, keyloggers are invisibly
installed on the computer.
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