SECURITY THREATS OF COMPUTERS 

 

 Types of security threats;

 Computer Virus Threats: 

                      Perhaps the most well known computer security threat, a computer virus is a program written to alter the way a computer operates, without the permission or knowledge of the user. A virus replicates and executes itself, usually doing damage to your computer in the process. Learn how to combat computer virus threats and stay safe online. 

 

 Spyware Threats: 

                      A serious computer security threat, spyware is any program that monitors your online activities or installs programs without your consent for profit or to capture personal information. We’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge that will help you combat spyware threats and stay safe online. 

Phishing Threats:

                           Masquerading as a trustworthy person or business, phishers attempt to steal sensitive financial or personal information through fraudulent email or instant messages. How can you tell the difference between a legitimate message and a phishing scam ? Educate yourself on the latest tricks and scams.  

 

Virus damage:

                               Some viruses delete files, reformat the hard disk or cause other damage. Others only replicate themselves and may present text, video, or audio messages. While they are not designed to do damage, even these viruses take up memory and may cause erratic behavior, system crashes and loss of data. 

 Keystroke Logging:

                        While keyloggers will not damage your computer system per see, because they can capture passwords, credit card numbers and other sensitive data, they should be regarded as a serious threat. 

 Adware:

             Adware is software which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer. The adware runs either after a software program has been installed on a computer or while the application is being used. In some cases, adware is accepted by users in exchange for using software free-of-charge. Not all adware is innocuous, however. Some types of adware are also spyware and therefore a threat to privacy. 

Botnet:        

A Botnet (also called a “zombie army”) is a collection of software robots, or bots, that run automated tasks over the Internet. The term “botnet” is generally used to refer to a distributed network of compromised computers (called “zombie computers”). These “zombies” typically run programs such as worms, Trojan horses, or back doors. Botnets are frequently used to launch Distributed Denial-of-Service (D Dos) attacks against websites. Newer bots can automatically scan their environment and propagate themselves using vulnerabilities and weak passwords.

Experts estimate that as many as one in four personal computers connected to the Internet has become part of a botnet. Several botnets have been found and removed from the Internet such as a 1.5-million node botnet recently discovered by the Dutch police. 

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