8 Common Types of Computer Viruses Essay

Dictionary.com defines a calculator virus as a segment of self-replicating code planted illegally in a computer program, often to damage or shut down a remains or network (Virus, 2012). The term virus has become more generic over the years and has come to represent any type of malware, or malicious software. There are many types of malware that can be discriminateified as viruses but it is the intention of this paper 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 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 spread themselves to other(a) computers. Their main use is to search for and delete certain files from computers. * Trojans- This malware is designed to look like 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 property theft* Data theft* Downloading or uploading of files to the computer* Deletion or modification of files* Crashing the computer* Watching the viewers screen* Anonymous net viewing* Adware/pop-up ads- The definition 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 may come integrated with spyware (What is the definition of adware? 2012). * Spyware- Malware used to collect information active a users browsing habitsor to intermeddle personal data. (Spyware, 2012). * Keylogger- Using dedicated software or implanted hardware, this malware covertly monitors and records ev ery keystroke made on a remote computer. (Keylogger, 2012). * Rootkits- A rootkit is a assembling 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 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 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). Ke ylogger. 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 fro m http//www.ask.com/wiki/Scareware