What is a virus?
The way a computer virus works is very similar to biological viruses. It is a program that can reproduce itself and inject itself into other computing systems . The creators of viruses target a specific damaging function that the virus should perform. This results in changes to the hardware, software or operating system that the user cannot control. In this way, the security of an entire system can be compromised, or even individual components, such as certain programs, can be attacked.
Since the beginning of computer technology, there have been ever newer and more intelligent viruses that cause great economic damage every year. Private users shouldn't underestimate the danger either - who wants to have their data in the hands of a virus? Last but not least, the security of sensitive information is always affected, even with private data.
There is now a variety of viruses and virus types that is difficult for private users to understand. The classic viruses that most closely resemble their biological relatives have long since found their offshoots in the form of Trojans or worms. These modern variants in particular are spreading extremely quickly and the damage is not limited to simply destroying data - what is particularly dangerous is that, for example, spy programs can get onto your own computer via Trojans and can read out private data or control the system remotely. The security of your own computer should be guaranteed due to the multifaceted dangers.
What damage can viruses cause?
viruses and virus protection , but what exactly do viruses do? What are they capable of? Types of viruses are multifaceted and come in different guises - there are email viruses, macro viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits and much more. Antivirus software has to ward off a wide range of threats. First, a distinction must be made between relatively harmless and truly dangerous viruses.
Harmless or dangerous?
The harmless variants of viruses primarily aim to spread quickly and occasionally display messages on the screen. These messages can range from pointless to humorous, but generally do not cause significant harm. Of course, even a relatively harmless virus uses valuable storage space and computer resources. However, the focus here is on self-proliferation and the desire for recognition of virus programmers.
More dangerous and now more widespread are viruses that aim to cause damage to the system. The type of damage is diverse and varies depending on the type of virus. Data can be deleted, programs rendered unusable or information spied on - possibly completely unnoticed. This is just as dangerous for private users as it is for companies. However, slowing down system performance, network problems and the loss of important data are often threats that need to be averted, especially for companies. Negligent handling of the issues of Internet security and virus protection can, in the worst case scenario, plunge companies into crises that threaten their existence.
What are worms?
Computer worms are certainly not harmless creatures . They infiltrate a system unnoticed by the user and spread at rapid speed. The goal is to infect as many PCs as possible. Most of today's viruses are such worms. The best-known distribution tactic is via email: On computers that are already infected, the worm sends itself as an email attachment, usually to all contacts in the email program. Contacts in the address book receive an infected email from a familiar sender and with an interesting subject. As a result, recipients are often less careful when dealing with the infected email.
Anyone who executes the attached file starts the virus again, which then sends itself again - and so on. In addition to the distribution function, a worm can also contain significant damaging functions or spy on important private information. Especially through imaginative subject lines and confusing or harmless file names, a certain level of trust is suggested, which is then exploited - just one click is enough.
A lot of people use instant messengers like ICQ or MSN .
But such programs also have security gaps and provide a target for computer worms. A message with a file attachment is enough and the viruses - for example a worm - promptly spread across the entire list of your contacts. Due to its high demand for computing power, the worm can also paralyze entire networks and servers - a nightmare for every company. Increasingly unusual strategies used by virus authors make professional virus protection and preventive programs essential, otherwise you will be helpless against script, file or IRC worms.
What are Trojans?
In Greek mythology, the Trojans be captured through a stratagem in which the Greeks hid in a beautiful wooden horse. The so-called Trojan horses, or Trojans for short, also work according to this principle. Without appropriate virus protection, they can reach your home computer via many routes and cause considerable damage.
Packed in a supposedly useful shell, the Trojans spread either via email, file sharing or websites. They are usually normal programs, games or documents that hide additional functions. Such files can run perfectly, but secret actions are carried out unnoticed in the background. Without reliable virus protection software, your own computer can be manipulated completely unnoticed - the display of advertising or the use of memory resources are the harmless consequences. With the help of keyloggers, for example, private and sensitive information can be recorded, such as passwords or account numbers, and remote control of your own system is also possible. The resulting consequences can be extensive. If the malicious program is deleted, this does not necessarily mean that the virus it contains has been rendered harmless.
Only current antivirus software offers adequate protection against Trojans infecting your system. Even the most careful users can stumble upon a Trojan, but given the numerous ideas from virus programmers, you have to be able to rely on your virus protection.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software that unintentionally sends private information to third parties over the Internet . The type of private information being spied on varies. For example, surfing behavior can be recorded and analyzed in order to display personalized advertising. However, highly sensitive data can also be spied out, such as passwords or credit card details. As a side effect, spyware often causes the computer to work slower than usual.
Today, spyware poses a major threat to Internet security. Without appropriate virus protection, computers are quickly infected by spyware; unprotected surfing on malicious websites is often enough: active elements of a website install unwanted spyware in the background. But you don't have to surf malicious sites to expose yourself to danger. The malware also plagues normal Internet users while they are on news sites or other conventional services. Using the Internet requires efficient virus protection.
One way to defend yourself against spyware is so-called anti-spyware, or virus protection software with appropriate functions. This special virus protection detects any dangers when you visit a website and can also detect and safely remove programs that have already been installed.
Signs that your system is infected with spyware can be, for example, a changed browser homepage or noticeably slow surfing on the Internet. Virus protection and anti-spyware software are essential measures for staying safe online. Who wants to have spies in their own house?
What is malware?
Malware is an umbrella term for unwanted software that performs harmful functions and significantly limits Internet security. The term covers malicious software in general and can cover several areas: file viruses , macro viruses , boot viruses , backdoors , Trojans , worms and other malicious software.
What does malware do?
Malware , derived from malicious software, is one of the major challenges facing Internet security today. In particular, software that spies on and sends confidential data is a risk that should not be underestimated for private individuals as well as for companies. The risk of being infected with malware always exists as soon as a computer is connected to the outside world via the Internet or local network.
Internet security despite malware
Internet security is primarily guaranteed by professional antivirus software that is always up to date with updates regarding malware. Antivirus programs are used, on the one hand, to detect malicious software that has already been installed, and on the other hand, to protect against the installation of new, harmful software.
How can antivirus software protect?
Given the many dangers lurking in today's Internet and computer world, it is almost impossible to do without appropriate security precautions in the form of anti-virus software. The risk lurks everywhere, in emails, on websites or in seemingly harmless programs. Viruses, Trojans, phishing emails, hacker attacks, spyware or worms are the negative side effects of technical progress that can cause immense damage - everything is possible, from data loss to system crashes or spied passwords. Without efficient antivirus software, the computer can quickly become infected.
There is high-quality antivirus software so that you can use the Internet and email without worries. Virus protection software has preventative protection measures and options for subsequently removing viruses and other malware. Modern antivirus programs provide constant control over system processes and all running programs. In order to be resistant to the latest viruses, the virus protection software is constantly provided with updates. Above all, the analysis of emails and malicious software is the focus of antivirus programs so that careless clicks and their unfortunate consequences are a thing of the past. Trust in the solutions of a professional provider, because powerful virus protection software is irreplaceable for every company or home PC.
Also read: Wrong antivirus software and virus protection
In keeping with the topic at the BSI: Set up virus protection and firewalls securely
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