GETTING BUGGED: VIRUSES, HOAXES, AND WORMS

We probably all had to deal with computer viruses at some point in our computing life. They are a pain in the neck, a distraction, and cause an incredible amount of downtime and lost revenue for businesses. It is important to note that these computer-enemies are not randomly created in some obscure computer void.

As a challenge, or to get even with someone, or simply to be irritating, people plan, program, and release these pieces of code. They create a sneaky distribution method and usually release it via email. Because of the tremendous impact a worm or virus can have, law enforcement is increasingly more aggressive in prosecuting these ‘hackers’.

Here is your a summary of what your computer faces each day:

Virus: a malicious piece of code typically distributed via email that attempts to corrupt your system (soBig or Klez)

Worm: a piece self-replicating program distributed via email that attempts to permeate networks; rather than do system damage. The goal is to overload systems (Happy99)

Trojan Horse: is not self-replicating and does not by definition spread by itself, but masquerades as a regular program in order to release its malicious code (FormatC)

Security Hole: an unprotected entry point into a computer often through a deficiency in the operating system or program that allows a hacker to compromise the system (MSBlast)

Hoax: usually arrives as an email warning you of some terrible virus that you may have when in reality the instructions provided to ‘fix the problem’ are in some way destructive (BugBear)

What can we do to survive?

1.       Install an anti-virus software and keep it updated. Norton (ranked #1 and AVG by Grisoft.com) is a solid free option. This will protect you from viruses, worms, and some trojan horses. Weekly updates ‘train’ the program on the latest in virus attacks.

2.       Even if your friend sends you an attachment don’t open it if the extension includes a .bat, .exe, .scr or if the associated icon looks odd.

3.       Be sure to run Windows Update to protect you from Windows security holes.

4.       Don’t believe your emails – even if it is a from a friend. Check out its authenticity by browsing to www.norton.com prior to doing anything.

-Doug DeVries

Equine-Design.com

doug@equine-design.com