Hazards
Adware
Adware are software that displays advertisements when you connect to the Internet. Adware is often combined with Spyware (see below) in order to target your computer with advertisements that may interest you.
Backdoor
Backdoor is an undetected connection from the Internet to an unprotected computer, bypassing the basic security measures. Hackers use backdoors to steal your data or take control of your computer for their own purposes.
Bot network (botnet)
Botnet is a group of computers without adequate protection, unknown to their owners, can be controlled by a third party via the Internet. Large collections of these compromised machines (a sometimes referred to as 'zombie army') are used for sending spam and Internet crime.
Compromised computer
Compromised computer is a hacked computer which can be controlled by an unknown third party when connected to the Internet.
Crimeware
Software downloaded to your machine without your knowledge and designed to steal passwords and financial information.
Data leakage
Data leakage is an inintentional release of sensitive data, passwords, etc during data transmission.
Data theft
Data theft is stealing sensitive data, passwords, etc by hacking into your computer or network.
Denial of Service attack
This can take many forms. A distributed denial of service (DoS) attack typically uses a bot network to bombard an Internet program or component with so much traffic that it becomes overloaded and cannot function properly.
Dialler
Software downloaded without your knowledge that attempts to dial an Internet connection via an expensive phone number. A dialler cannot work unless your computer has a dial-up modem connected to a phone line.
Downloader
Software installed on your computer without your knowledge which silently downloads further software while you are connected to the Internet.
Dropper
Dropper is a trojan horse (virus) that installs software on your computer allowing hackers to access your local area network via the Internet.
Hacker
A Hacker is a third party who gains access to your computer via the Internet and is able to read your files and passwords. A successful hacker can use your computer for spamming and criminal activity without your knowledge.
Identity theft
Obtaining personal information, from your computer or elsewhere, and using it to impersonate you. Identity theft is often used in financial fraud. If websites or emails request personal information, do not respond unless you are certain they are legitimate and trustworthy.
Keystroke logging
Keystroke logging is a software / tool designed to record everything you type on your computer keyboard. Keystroke logging can be used to obtain passwords.
Logger
Refer to “Keystroke Logging “.
Macro virus
A virus that exploits the macro functions in Microsoft Word and other programs. When something triggers a macro virus, a sequence of events takes place.
Malicious code
Malicious codes are Viruses, worms and similar software. A web page or email can contain malicious code.
Malware
These are malicious software.
Phishing
An email or telephone message appearing to be genuine that requires you to disclose sensitive information. A well-established phishing technique is to send emails purporting to come from a bank / payment gateway, etc. requesting customers to log in to their account. The link from the email is to a replica log-in page that looks just like the real thing. When you log in, your username and password go to criminals who can then use the genuine log-in page to access your account. Never log in to an account from an email link.
Rootkit
A technique that modifies the operating system of your computer so that you cannot see that malicious software is running.
Spam
Spam emails are unsolicited commercial email.
Spyware
Spyware are software’s / tools that records your Internet use, typically in order to target advertising.
Trojan
A computer programme downloaded in an email attachment or when you visit a web page. A trojan cannot run on its own: you have to open it. So the title of a trojan is usually appealing. Once opened, the trojan runs malicious software.
Virus
Virus is a computer program containing malicious code that spreads itself to other computers via the Internet or your local area network. Each year, computer viruses cause millions of pounds worth of damage.
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a feature of an operating system or computer program that hackers can exploit to gain access to your computer.
Worm
A malicious computer programme designed to spread itself over a computer network.
Zombie computer
Refer to Bot network |
|
