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Security & Safeguards for your
Computer
Types of Security Threats and Countermeasures:
from Security State Bank & Trusts
handout
Malware
- Software designed to infiltrate a computer system without
the owners informed consent
- Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses,
spyware, crimeware and other malicious and unwanted software
Viruses
- A computer program that can copy itself and infect a
computer
- Some viruses try to avoid detection by killing the tasks
associated with antivirus software before it can detect them
Spyware
- Type of malware that is installed on computers and collects
little bits of information at a time about users without their
knowledge
- The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user
and can be difficult to detect
- It can install additional software, redirect web browsers,
change computer settings, set different home pages, and/or
result in loss of internet
Rogue Software/Scareware
- Form of malware that deceives of misleads users into paying
for the fake or simulated removal of malware
- Mainly relies on social engineering in order to defeat the
security software
- Most have a Trojan horse component, which users are misled
into installing
- Browser plug-in (typically toolbar)
- Image, screensaver or ZIP file attached to an
email
- Software shared on peer-to-peer networks
- A free online malware scanning service
Ransom Virus
- Comprises a class of malware which restricts access to the
computer system that it infects, and demands a ransom paid to
the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be
removed.
Phishing
- Criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire
sensitive information (usernames, passwords, credit card
details) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an
electronic communication
- Commonly used means: social websites, auction sites, online
payment processors, IT administrators
Email Usage
- The fastest most-effective method of spreading malicious
code to the largest number of users
IN OTHER WORDS: Be aware of where you go on the
internet, what you click on to open, what you are agreeing
to when you install something. Never install an exe file
unless you trust the source. Never click on a link in an
email to update your information. Be on alert!
Use a cache cleaning service, install a real-time
anti-virus and anti-spyware program and implement a
firewall. Allow for automatic updates and scheduled scans.
Leprechaun Technical Services can help.
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