Security Threats on the Internet - Viruses

Internet is pretty much limitless nowadays, isn't it right? There's a lot to do on the Net from communicating with others, online gaming, online shopping etc. -- and it kept growing every single day. Unfortunately, since the Net kept growing, so does the threats - especially the viruses. Interested?

I won't bother you with the history part of it considering I'm not the correct man to go for easy explanation, so if you need to, look it up. Let's start with a question: How well do you know the threats present? Take antiviruses for example, some tend to skip updates for their antivirus. There's also some, even the one with those stylish, powerful computers (and smartphones), aren't even bothered. Reason? "My computer is much more powerful than yours, so shut up." (Someone seriously said this exact phrase to me) What happened next? His computer is formatted due to various reasons. You get the point now.

Since the opening is pretty long, lets cut to the chase now with some well known threats on the net. But, to make one thing clear, I won't be having pictures for everything here. Even if I do put some, it won't be mine originally, thus a link is placed nearby. Now, on to the first one:

1. Trojans.

(Yeah, the pic isn't mine. Originally, it's here.)

Trojans. In short, it presents itself as a harmless, or even useful gifts to be installed. Usually reaching their targets during installation via online games or internet driven applications, once they're in, a lot of things can happen from computer crashes up to remotely controlling your computer system.
For more info:

Trojan definition: By Kaspersky Lab

Wikipedia's definition.

2. Worms.

Alongside the "Trojans", "Worms" are another type of virus which are easily found in most household computers. Other than the ability to replicate itself, worms are also able to travel without human action unlike trojans. Symptoms include:

• Unexpected restarts - Usually due to system instability or force errors.
• Error Popups - Especially those which you've never seen before.
• Worse Performance - Simplified as long periods of lag or extremely slow system speed.
• Program Malfunctions - Such as failed antivirus or malware removal programs so they can keep spreading. For browsers, they block certain websites or change program settings.
• High Network Traffic - Why? Worms spread over the Net automatically. If there's also an email sent from your address without your knowledge is another symptom.

For more info, please refer to the links below:
Wikipedia
HowStuffWorks
BBC


3. Macro Virus.
According to Wikipedia, "A macro virus is a virus that is written in a macro language..." What's a "macro"? Well, Webopedia defines macro as "A symbol, name, or key that represents a list of commands, actions, or keystrokes." Most word processors like Microsoft Word and Excel support these powerful languages. Once it's triggered, the macro virus can embed itself in other documents, including any future documents created after the attack, as well as conceivably download software to the target computer, possibly more viruses. Antiviruses aside, there's also a way to reduce, or better, evade these kind of viruses - avoid unknown or suspicious attachments even if it seems legitimate (Just don't open it, and you'll be OK).

More informations needed? Visit these sites for more:
PennState University
Boston College
Symantec


That just about sums it up to me, for now. If there's more, I'll save it for next time. Just make sure - always prioritize updating your antivirus, and don't open unknown or suspicious attachments (or e-mails) even if it seems legitimate. I'm done. Later.


-C.M.-