Understanding Malware, Viruses and Spyware
From ITS Wiki
There are numerous types of malicious software (MALcious softWARE)floating around the Internet. The two things they all have in common is the intent to infiltrate your computer system without your informed consent and the intent to do bad things! Spyware and adware programs, which are annoying but have no criminal intent, are often included under the term “malware.” A common strategy for malware/spyware these days is to try to convince you something is wrong with your computer, either failing hardware, your machine is full of viruses/spyware, or some other lie trying to trick you into paying for their application which will “solve” the issue. Since the issue is fabricated, you basically are just bilked of $50 for them to leave you alone…for now.
Viruses are programs that can reproduce and spread themselves to other systems. Worms, trojans and other malicious programs are typically referred to as viruses, though by strict technical definition they may not be actual viruses. The damage done by these programs can vary, from simply sending copies of itself out through your email to destroying data or crashing your computer. Viruses are still most commonly spread through email attachments, but can also replicate quickly and easily on high speed networks, especially if your computer does not have all of its recent operating system patches.
Spyware is software that covertly gathers user information through an Internet connection without their knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; still, the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors your activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background. Spyware can also gather information about email addresses or even passwords and credit card numbers. The most common symptoms of a spyware infected computer are increasing pop-up windows and a general slowing down of the computer as the tracking programs run in the background and transmit data over the Internet.
Why am I getting a lot of pop up windows on my computer? Although pop-up windows are generally a form of online advertising, if you are receiving them more frequently than usual it could be due to spyware. Though the term “spyware” encompasses many kinds of malicious programs, the most common symptom experienced is that your computer starts getting more and more pop-up windows, sometimes when your web browser isn't even in use.
What should I do if I get a message that my computer has a virus? First, and most importantly, you should pay attention to the window that is displaying the message. Is it a pop up window that appeared while you were browsing web sites, or an email message? Or did it appear after Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 completed a scan of your computer? If the message appears within the Forefront window, it should further instruct you on how to delete or quarantine the virus. If the message came via a pop-up window or email, chances are it is a form of spyware or spam message and should be closed or deleted.
- To Close: You should try ALT+F4 to close the window. Sometimes clicking on the X to close actually allows the spyware to install.
- Please navigate to the http://helpdesk.centre.edu and enter a helpdesk call with specific information if you receive one of these messages or you think you have spyware so we can be sure your computer hasn't been infected.
This tip includes excerpts from:
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/articles/60976.aspx
http://cumc.columbia.edu/it/getting_help/faq-faculty-spyware.html
Special thanks to Tyler Chelf, User Support Coordinator, for adding and clarifying information.