8 Common Types of Computer Viruses Essay

Dictionary.com defines a computer virus as a segment of self-replicating decree planted illegally in a computer program, often to misuse or shut down a system or interlock (Virus, 2012). The term virus has become much generic over the age and has come to represent any type of malw ar, or malicious software. there are many types of malware that can be classified as viruses barely it is the intention of this paper to examine 8 of the almost common types. These types are virus, worms, trojans, adware/pop-up ads, spyware, keyloggers, rootkits, and scareware.* Virus- as defined above, a virus is self-replicating code planted in a computer program. This malwares sole purpose is to destroy or shut down systems and networks. (Virus, 2012). * Worms- These are standalone programs whose sole purpose is to replicate and disseminate themselves to other computers. Their main use is to search for and delete certain files from computers. * Trojans- This malware is knowing to look like a us eful program while free control of the computer to some other computer. It can be utilise for several(prenominal) malicious things * As part of a botnet to use automated spamming or distribute denial-of-service blows. * Electronic money theft* Data theft* Downloading or uploading of files to the computer* Deletion or modification of files* Crashing the computer* Watching the knockouts screen* Anonymous internet viewing* Adware/pop-up ads- The comment of adware is a software package which displays or downloads advertisements to a computer. These ads are usually in the form of pop-ups, and the goal of adware is to generate revenue for its author. In itself, adware is harmless, however, some of it whitethorn come integrated with spyware (What is the definition of adware? 2012). * Spyware- Malware used to collect information nigh a users browsing habits or to intercept personal data. (Spyware, 2012). * Keylogger- Using dedicated software or implanted hardware, this malware co vertly monitors and records both keystroke made on a remote computer. (Keylogger, 2012). * Rootkits- A rootkit is a parade of tools (programs) that enable administrator-level access to a computer or computer network.A rootkit may consist of spyware and other programs that monitor traffic and keystrokes create a backdoor into the system for the hackers use alter log files attack other machines on the network and alter existing system tools to take to the woods detection. (Rootkit, 2012) * Scareware- This is a class of malware that represents itself as antivirus software even though it is fake. It is used primarily to scam people into purchasing it but in most cases it does not actually do anything. Sometimes it will contain another piece of malware that it injects into the computer system.ReferencesVirus. (2012). Virus. Dictionary.com Retrieved from http//dictionary.reference.com /browse/virus. Spyware. (2012). Spyware. Dictionary.com Retrieved from http//dictionary.reference.com /browse/spyware. Keylogger. (2012). Keylogger. Dictionary.com Retrieved from http//dictionary.reference.com /browse/keylogger. Rubenking, Neil J. (2010) Antivirus, and much more when most people talk about antivirus software, theyre really public lecture about an app that blocks spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, scareware, Trojans, and morenot just viruses. We review 13 antivirus apps that do just that. PC Magazine 72+. Retrieved from http//go.galegroup.com.proxy.itt-tech.edu/ps /i.do?id=GALE%7CA226958047& vitamin Av=2.1&u=itted&it=r&p=CDB&sw=w. What is. (2012). What is the definition of adware? DirectHit.com. Retrieved from http//www.directhit.com/shopping-answers/what_is_the_definition_of_adware?oo=0 Different Types. (2012). Different types of computer viruses. Buzzle.com. Retrieved from http//www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-computer-viruses.html Rootkit. (2012). Rootkit. SearchMidmarketSecurity. Retrieved from http//searchmidmarketsecurity.techtarget.com/def inition/rootkit Scareware. (2012). Scareware. Ask.com. Retrieved from http//www.ask.com/wiki/Scareware