Malicious software is generally known as "virus". All software designed to harm systems, cause them to crash and steal private information are categorized as a "virus". Viruses are divided into many different types in terms of purpose of usage, working principles and spreading methods.
Click here for descriptions about the most popular types.
Protecting against Viruses/Malware/Spyware:
Be Proactive.
- Make sure your version of Windows is up-to-date. Visit the Microsoft Updates page.
- Make sure your anti-virus definitions are up-to-date.
- Scan your computer on a regular basis.
Newer computer viruses can pass from an infected computer to USB flash drives.
- The virus spreads when the flash drive is plugged into the computer.
- Disable autorun.
- Scan your flash drive.
Be Aware.
- Be leary of software ads that guarantee to protect you from viruses. Read more about this here.
- Never open email attachments from unknown sources. Especially attachments containing ".vbs," ".scr," ".exe," or ".pif"
- Don't download programs from file-sharing networks such as Kazaa, eDonkey, Limewire, and Bittorrent.
- Keep yourself updated with announcements on newly found virus and worms.
Visit www.uscert.gov for a comprehensive list of security alerts and vendor patches.
- We also recommend that you install at least one of these anti-spyware programs, click to connect and download: Doctor Web, Malwarebytes.
- Make it a habit to update & run the above programs on a weekly basis!