Malware Glossary

[richardj]

Malware Glossary


One problem that plagues computer users of all ages and occupations is malware. It can find its way onto your system through any variety of ways, whether you choose to download a file or simply happen to visit the wrong Web site. In every email or IM and around every corner of the Internet is a new type of virus, worm or vulnerability, and you need to know exactly what you're up against. With this malware glossary, you can get up to speed on malware trends and terminology, both old and new.

Leap to a definition:
Adware - Executable
Hybrid virus - Keylogger
Malware - Probe
Rootkit - Worm


Adware

A software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running; sometimes, also tracks user information, which makes it also spyware.
Ask the experts: My adware is delaying reboots.


Antivirus software

A class of program that searches your hard drive and floppy disks for any known or potential viruses.
ITKnowledge Exchange: Antivirus programs -- which one do you prefer?


Back door

A means of access to a computer system that bypasses security mechanisms, installed sometimes by an authorized person, sometimes by an attacker.
Tip: How attackers install backdoors and what to do about it


Bot

A bot (short for "robot") is a program that operates as an agent for a user or another program or simulates a human activity. On the Internet, the most ubiquitous bots are the programs, also called spiders or crawlers, that access Web sites and gather their content for search engine indexes.
Tip: Invasion of the bots


Browser hijacker

Programming that alters your browser settings so that you are redirected to Web sites you had no intention of visiting.
Learning guide: Web Browser Security


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Archived topic from Iceteks, old topic ID:4493, old post ID:35940