Some of us have personally experienced the effects of a computer virus, or heard about them from other computer users. In the most extreme cases, viruses and malware can result in a computer being completely unusable. At the very least, they can be just plain annoying. 

What are computer viruses, worms, malware, adware, and spyware? 

Virus: In its simplest definition, a virus is a piece of code that attaches itself to programs that you have installed on your computer, such as a word processing or spreadsheet program.  When you run that program, the virus also runs, duplicating itself and attaching to other programs. 

Email Virus: This type of virus attaches to an email message and runs when the message is opened or viewed. Some email viruses query your contact list and then sends emails, with your name as the sender, to the first 50 contacts in your list.  Each email sent contains the virus.  This spreads very fast, since the recipient, seeing that it came from you, does not hesitate to open it.

Trojan Horse:  This is an actual computer program that does not replicate but poses to be something it is not.  An example of a Trojan Horse program would be a pop-up message stating that you are infected with a virus and then instructs you to click on a button to remove the virus. (By following the instructions given, you are actually launching the virus program.) A Trojan Horse program could also install a “remote control” piece of software on your pc in order for attackers from the outside to have easy access to your information.

Worm: This virus relies on security vulnerabilities of networked computers. A worm looks for weak points in the security of other machines and attaches itself to them.

Phishing: A method of on-line identity theft. This is usually delivered in an email, which appears to be from a familiar organization, such as your bank.  The message might state that you must respond immediately due to some problem with your account. By replying, you are giving personal information to a source other than your bank.

In addition to stealing personal and financial data, phishers can infect computers with viruses.

Malware: A general term meaning “malicious software”, such as viruses and Trojans that can affect your pc.

Adware: A term to describe “Advertising-supported Software”. Adware displays or downloads advertising messages when certain software packages are installed, or after installation.

Spyware: Software designed to invade your privacy or gather personal information from your computer.

Some examples of well-known viruses in the past 10 years are:

MYDOOM WORM: January, 2004. This virus infected 250,000 computers in one day.

MELISSA VIRUS: March, 1999.  This virus forced many large corporations, including Microsoft to shut down their email systems until the virus could be removed.

I LOVE YOU VIRUS: 2000.
This was an email virus that was opened by many recipients due to its title and spread very rapidly.

STORM WORM: January, 2007. It is estimated that 50 million computers were infected by October of that year.

The information listed above is only a small sample of the many malicious programs that currently exist.   Every day, unscrupulous people are creating and implementing new viruses.  We must prepare ourselves to adequately ward off these attacks by implementing proper virus prevention methods and using common sense in our daily computing.

What can be done?

1. Invest in and install a reputable virus program for your computer. Some of the better packages protect against multiple threats.  The package that you select will usually itemize the type of protection it offers on the box.  This would be a purchase that you would not want to skimp on, since your identity and valuable information are at stake.

2. Ensure that you update your virus protection software on a regular basis.  Since new viruses are appearing daily, you must have the latest protection to quarantine them.

3. Only open emails that you know are legitimate and from people and companies that you know. Keep a keen eye on the formatting of email from companies to ensure that they are legitimate.

4. Beware of emails from companies that do not specify your name or specific information that only that legitimate company would know.  Do not respond to requests for information when it is vaguely addressed, such as “Dear Wachovia Customer”.  People have been known to copy company logos to make messages appear legitimate, when in fact, they are not. If in doubt, call the company first.

Remember that “YOU ARE IN CONTROL” of your computer.  It’s up to you to make the right decision whether to “Click here”, or “Accept this free offer”.  Your choices can only be made as a result of proper and accurate information.  I hope this article has helped to provide you with that.

Bud Sparks is the principal operator of Diamond Spring Technical Services.  His certifications in computer science range from Senior Systems Engineer to Microsoft Certified Instructor.  Additionally, as an adjunct professor, he teaches advanced Microsoft courses at Mercer County Community College.

For your computer questions or concerns email bsparks@dispritech.com.