| Term. |
General Brief
Definition. |
| AdWare |
AdWare ('Advertising Software') is a term generally used to describe
an application that provides unwanted advertisements on a computer. There are some
overlaps with SpyWare, but generally AdWare is considered to be less harmful. The
signs of AdWare, delivery methods and repairs are often the same as SpyWare. |
| 'Bad' Sites |
Often we refer to the term 'Bad' Site or 'Bad' Websites. These
are generally sites that are not considered safe to visit or interact with for a
variety of reasons including distributing MalWare or capturing personal details for
nefarious purposes. |
| Cloud Computing |
Computing where users access their applications and/or
data which is located on the internet. As such the applications and data
can be accessed from different locations via a web connection. |
| Dialer |
A malicious Dialer is a program that attempts to dial numbers from a
phone line connected to your computer. Often the numbers dialed are expensive
and billed to your account. |
| Drive By Download |
Refers to software (generally unwanted malware) that may be downloaded
(without user's knowledge) as a website is visited. This may also apply to
messages such as Emails. |
| False Positive |
False Positives can occur when a scan identifies a potential
threat/problem, but is actually identifying something that may be harmless.
This may happen, for example, if malware tries to disguise itself as a legitimate
product. However, the product may be quite legitimate and harmless. |
| Firewall |
A FireWall acts as a security barrier between computer networks. It's
more common usage in relation to the internet is that it acts as a barrier between
your computer and the internet. |
| Hack |
Hacking is generally accessing someone's account / computer /
network / website etc without their permission.
|
| Heuristic |
Attempts to detect Malware not necessarily in database, based on
characteristics. |
|
Internet
|
A system of computers connected (networked) across the
globe. |
|
Keylogger
|
An application designed to log your keystrokes, trapping valuable
information such as passwords etc. |
|
Malware
|
The term 'MalWare' has evolved as a 'catch-all' phrase that can encompass any
manner of viruses, spyware, adware or worms etc. The term can be derived from the
phrase 'Malicious Software' and can be used to describe a wide range of
problems.
What is MalWare in 60
Seconds Video
|
|
Phishing
|
Pronounced Fishing. A method by which information
is sought from someone, under the guise of a legitimate request. Such
information could include credit card info, personal details etc.
What is Phishing in 60
Seconds Video
|
| Registry |
In brief, the System Registry contains information regarding software
and hardware on your PC. The settings within the computer registry affects the way
in which your PC operates and interacts. It is important for smooth system
operation that the system registry remains stable. |
| Rootkits |
A Rootkit is a type of malware that generally attempts to control and
change your system. They are difficult to detect since they try to
hide.
|
| SPAM |
The term 'SPAM' is generally used to describe unsolicited and unwanted
messages. A spammer generally sends such messages in mass quantities. SPAM is
usually associated with EMail. |
|
Spyware
|
SpyWare ('Spying Software') generally refers to applications that monitor and/or
record PC activity. This may include spying on keyboard entry (including passwords)
via keyloggers, websites visited and other prying into privacy. SpyWare can overlap
with AdWare hence the signs, delivery methods and repairs are often the same.
What is Spyware in 60
Seconds Video
|
| Trojan |
A form of MalWare that is disguised as something else. For
example a browser toolbar may have a nice new cool tool, but it could really be
recording everything you do. |
| Viruses |
A computer virus is a form of MalWare that replicates and spreads
across multiple computers. It can take the form of a trojan, worm (network virus),
keylogger or other form of pest. |
| Web Browser |
Software to access and view documents on the World Wide Web. |
| World Wide Web |
A system of documents accessed via the Internet. |
| Worm |
A type of virus that replicates across computer networks (including
email systems). |
| Zero Day |
Zero Day refers to exploits, vulnerabilities or other risks that
potentially exist, but haven't been complete addressed yet. Example: A
security hole in an Operating System that hasn't yet been patched. |
|
|
Click term (where
available) for more information.
Click video (where
available) for video information.
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