Malware
Malware, which is short for malicious software, can be used to compromise computers, steal data, or bypass access controls.
The most common types are:
- adware
- bots
- bugs
- ransomware
- rootkits
- spyware
- Trojan horses
- viruses
- worms
See descriptions below.
TYPES OF MALWARE
ADWARE
BOTS
Software programs created to perform simple and repetitive operations. While some bots are created for harmless purposes (online contest, video gaming, and internet auctions) it is becoming increasingly common to see bots used maliciously. Bots can be used in groups of computers to be controlled by a third party for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, to spam large amounts of advertisement on the internet, as web site scrapers, and for distributing malware disguised as popular search items on download sites. The most common way to guard against bots is with CAPTCHA tests that verify users as humans.
BUGS
RANSOMWARE
ROOTKIT
A type of malicious software designed to remotely control or access a computer without being detected. Since this software has “root” or administrative access, it has full control of any existing software. This means it can modify any software, including any that may be used to detect or circumvent it. As a result, detection relies on manual methods such as monitoring computer behavior for suspicious activity, storage dump analysis, and signature scanning.
SPYWARE
TROJAN or TROJAN HORSE
VIRUS
A virus is a form of software that is capable of copying itself and spreading to other computers, hence the name “virus”. Viruses can access personal data such as bank or credit card logins, corrupt data, spam email, log keystrokes, and render computers useless. Viruses exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers, and other software and social engineering to gain access to their host’s computers.
WORMS
How to minimize the threat of malware:
- Keep your computer's operating system automatically updated. Go here for more information on Computer Security.
- Use strong passwords. It is the first line of defense.
- Use dual factor authentication if available, which requires your password and another form of identification, such as an app on a cell phone.
- Don’t use administrative accounts unless absolutely necessary. Since administrative accounts allow full access to your computer, malware with administrative access can defeat your computer's defenses. Unless absolutely necessary, use standard accounts.
- Avoid opening unrecognized or unexpected email. Phishing is the most common method of getting infected.
- Use anti-virus software and keep it updated.
Any computer that is connected to Lamar’s local area network (LAN) or VPN via a LEA account, is protected by Lamar University IT security systems and software. This includes anti-virus/anti-malware and network protection. Lamar University systems are licensed for firewall and anti-virus/malware software. This software is updated and managed by Lamar University IT.