Spyware Is Not The Only Danger On The Internet

Online, October 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Jay Stamford of Freetrialspyware.net wants to remind computer users that Spyware is not the only danger on the internet. "Given the huge amount of press and industry attention to `Spyware' it is easy to forget that there are other types of malicious software or 'malware' out there. Viruses, Worms and Trojans are still being developed to steal your personal data or damage your computer. These malicious programs can be hidden in email attachments or files which are downloaded off the internet." Say jay Stamford.

Most computer users are familiar with the term "computer virus." A Virus is usually hidden within another program or executable file. A Virus can be relatively harmless, for example displaying a message or picture at a preset time. Others variants however can be incredibly destructive including erasing data from your hard drive, corrupting programs or stealing sensitive information like passwords or financial data.

One of the limitations with a Virus is that it cannot spread itself automatically. Unfortunately a "Worm" can, and it exists to replicate itself. It is a self-contained program which is usually embedded in an email attachment like a Microsoft Word document. The most notorious variants like the "ILOVEYOU" Worm in 2000 are spread using the e-mail address book on the infected user's computer. It emails itself to the contacts in the address book without the user's knowledge.

A Worm can cause extensive damage to both the computer and the network your computer uses. A Worm infection consumes network bandwidth as it sends itself out. For example, a widespread infection can dramatically slow or totally overload a corporate network. It can even slowdown the speed of the Internet itself!

A Worm can also carry a dangerous program. The most common type of program is a "backdoor" which given hidden access to your computer to the virus creator. Your computer then becomes a "Zombie" used to send out Spam e-mail or other computer viruses.A Trojan masquerades itself as a legitimate program or file. For example, you may think that you are downloading a MP3 music file but when the file is loaded a virus is installed on your system. Once installed onto the user's computer it can have the same impact as a Virus.

Stamford concludes, "In order to stay safe online it is important to ensure that you are using antivirus and antispyware protection when surfing the internet along with a very large portion of caution and common sense!"