8 Common Types of Computer Viruses Essay

Dictionary.com defines a estimator calculator virus as a segment of self-replicating code planted illicitly in a computing device program, often to damage or debar smooth a system or network (Virus, 2012). The term virus has become more than generic over the years and has come to comprise any type of malware, or malicious software. There are many another(prenominal) types of malware that can be kinspersonified as viruses but it is the intention of this topic to examine 8 of the most common types. These types are virus, worms, trojans, adware/pop-up ads, spyware, keyloggers, rootkits, and scareware.* Virus- as specify above, a virus is self-replicating code planted in a ready reckoner 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 spread themselves to other computers. Their principal(prenominal) use is to search for and delete certain files fr om computers. * Trojans- This malware is designed to look equal a useful program while giving control of the computer to another computer. It can be used for several malicious things * As part of a botnet to use automated spamming or distribute denial-of-service attacks. * electronic money theft* Data theft* Downloading or uploading of files to the computer* skip or modification of files* Crashing the computer* Watching the viewers sift* Anonymous internet viewing* Adware/pop-up ads- The description of adware is a software encase which displays or downloads advertisements to a computer. These ads are usually in the form of pop-ups, and the close of adware is to generate revenue for its author. In itself, adware is harmless, however, some of it may come unified with spyware (What is the definition of adware? 2012). * Spyware- Malware used to collect information about a exploiters browsing habitsor to intercept personal data. (Spyware, 2012). * Keylogger- Using sanctified sof tware or implanted hardware, this malware covertly monitors and records every keystroke made on a remote computer. (Keylogger, 2012). * Rootkits- A rootkit is a collection of tools (programs) that enable administrator-level entree to a computer or computer network.A rootkit may dwell of spyware and other programs that monitor traffic and keystrokes create a backdoor into the system for the political hacks use alter log files attack other machines on the network and alter existing system tools to escape 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 toy battalion into purchasing it but in most cases it does not rattling 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.c om 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 talking 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&v=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/definition/rootkit Scareware. (2012). Scareware. Ask.com. Retrieved from http//www.ask.com/wiki/Scareware