Save & ShareVIRUSES/TROJANS/WORMS PAGE
DESCRIPTION
Malware is generally described as a software program that is surreptitiously and discreetly placed on a user’s computer that performs unexpected or unauthorized, but always malicious, actions. It is a common term used to refer to viruses, Trojan horse programs, and worms.
A computer virus is a program that has the unique ability to replicate, and like biological viruses, can spread quickly. While some viruses carry a damage routine that may only display messages or images, others may destroy files, reformat your hard drive, or cause other damage. If the virus does not contain a damage routine, it can cause trouble by consuming storage space and memory, and degrading the overall performance of your computer.
A Trojan horse program performs a malicious action but has no replication abilities. Like the Trojan horse, a Trojan horse program may arrive as a seemingly harmless file or application, but actually has hidden malicious intent within its code. When a Trojan horse program is executed, you may experience unwanted system problems in operation, and sometimes loss of valuable data.
A computer worm is a self-contained program (or set of programs) that can spread copies of itself to other computer systems via network connections, email attachments, instant messages (via file-sharing applications), and by collaborating with other malware. Some worms may also prevent you from accessing security Web sites, or steal the licenses of installed games and applications.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PC
- Scan email and instant message (IM) file attachments with security software such as Trend Micro Internet Security.
- Open attachments from known or expected sources only.
- Delete all unwanted and suspicious messages without opening.
- When surfing the web, use security software such as Trend Micro Internet Security to protect yourself.
- Click on web links sent only by known or expected sources.
- Keep all browser and IM security patches up to date.
- Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see what level of protection is provided against malware.
- Apply all operating system (OS) security patches supplied by the OS vendor in a timely manner.
SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION
Today’s malware actively seeks to remain undetected; however, you may experience the following problems:
- Overall system performance slows down.
- Files are corrupted or deleted and you are no longer able to open them.
- Commonly used programs no longer work properly.
- Reduction in hard drive and memory space.
- Inability to update antivirus software.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PC IF YOU’VE BEEN INFECTED
- Scan your computer with a product such as Trend Micro Internet Security or Trend Micro HouseCall™ (free) .
OTHER RESOURCES
