Malicious Software

At this point there really is no way to show pictures of what I'm gonna talk about. This kind of software is the kind that isn't marketed out in the open like most other software is. This software silently creeps its way into the unprotected holes of computer systems and takes over. There are three kinds of this type of software, and they are:

• viruses
• spyware
• adware

Viruses are the worst of the three. They can be programed to steal information, usernames, and passwords that you type (keyloggers), or they can be programed to take root in your system and let other viruses and hackers in (worms), or they can corrupt system files, infect personal files, and steal financial and personal information (very malicious viruses), or they might just turn you computer into a virus and spam sending machine (not very malicious, but will slow your computer down a lot). Any way they come they should be deleted off as soon as possible.

Spyware is designed to find out information about you, and also to redirect your browser to specific sites, and steal information like passwords and usernames. Spyware is usually not malicious but can really slow your computer down. Spyware can come in the form of but is not limited to cookies, cache, and browser toolbars.

Adware is designed to find out what you like and send you targeted ads in your direction. It can also be responsible for pop-up windows wanting you to buy something or go to some site so they can get money from you. It is not usually malicious but it is a very annoying software type.

How to combat this type of software will be discussed later.