Malware (from malicious software) is any type of programming intended to cause harm. A malware infection can:
Corrupt files |
Deny legitimate user access |
Alter or delete data |
Cause a hard drive to crash |
Distribute confidential data |
Hog memory and slows down your PC |
Disable hardware |
Frequently, Malware is also designed to send itself from your e-mail account to all contacts in your address book.
Common types of malware include:
Viruses and Worms |
Spyware and Adware |
Trojans |
Browser Hijackers |
Sometimes, there are obvious signs that there is spyware on your computer, sometimes there is not. However, here are some common symptoms of malware:
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When you open a browser or connect to the internet, unexpected pop-up ads show up. This is adware.
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Your computer (not just your connection speed) slows down significantly whether online or offline. This is the result of spyware using up memory and bandwidth.
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The homepage has been reset to something that you did not expect.
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If you have installed software from the internet and it installed a second piece of software automatically, that second piece of software is often spyware.
Downloadable Guide to Viruses and spam: what you need to know
This guide put out by www.sophos.com uses easy-to-understand language to explain viruses and spam, along with the hidden risks, and practical measures that you can take to improve computer protection at home and in the office. It also defines phishing and spyware, and assesses the security threat to mobile phones.
