What are the threats to my PC and my identity?

 

The most common threats include:

Malware: (Malicious Software) bad, naughty software that enters your computer without your consent, hides from you, and does malicious things.  Viruses, Trojans, worms, etc. are all forms of malware.

 

Crimeware: software used to commit crimes, namely, theft of funds and identity theft.  Crimeware may include most of the major forms of malware, such as viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware, bots, etc.

 

Virus: a program so named because, like its biological counterpart, it can reproduce itself and spread quickly from host to host.  Some viruses destroy files, reformat your hard drive, or cause other types of damage.  At the very least, a replicating virus will impact the use of your computer because it will suck up memory and processing, slowing down your computer.  Sort of like how you perform with a really bad cold. (Of course, some viruses are more damaging.  Think Ebola instead of a cold.)

 

Worms: programs (or groups of programs) that “burrow” into your computer and can spread copies of themselves from your computer to others via email attachments, network connections, file-sharing, or by working as a partner with other forms of malware.  Worms can steal licenses of your software, including installed games.  Some can prevent you from securely accessing websites.

 

Trojan horse: a program that, like its namesake, looks innocent enough at first, but contains hidden dangers that jump out when you're not looking.  Fortunately, Trojans cannot replicate themselves, but they can perform a variety of damaging actions on your computer.  You may notice performance problems if there’s a Trojan operating behind the scenes on your computer.

 

Spyware: a wide range of software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent.  Or it obtains your consent to a program that seems innocent enough, like a weather program, or a special toolbar.  (A spy in sheep’s clothing, you might say.) Even those spyware warnings you see on some websites (Warning! Your computer is infected with SPYWARE!  Click here!) can be baits for you to install…more spyware.  These programs record your computer use, from websites you visit to keystrokes you make.  They can steal your passwords, banking information, credit card numbers (as you input them to make a purchase) and other sensitive information you’d rather not share.

 

Adware: specialized software that often partners with spyware to present you with targeted ads based on your habits/preferences as collected by the spyware.

 

Phishing:  an attempt to gain access to your personal information (passwords, banking account numbers, credit card numbers, SS numbers, etc.) so your identity and/or money can be stolen.  The perps are “fishing” for your information, trying to get you to give it to them.  It’s a bait and hook process.  Phishing “bait” often arrives as an email in your inbox, sometimes with a “clickable link.”  You’re directed to click on the link (do it, and you're HOOKED!) and furnish URGENT, important information.  The link takes you to a website that looks real enough – it may even be a reasonable facsimile of the “real” webpage. (Of your bank, the IRS, eBay, the government of Nigeria, etc.)  However, the website funnels the information into the hands of identity thieves who will have a field day making all sorts of purchases in your name.  If someone's taking a vacation in Hawaii on your credit card, shouldn't it be you?  Phishing attempts can also be made by phone (call your credit card company BACK using the number on the back of your card before you give out information over the phone!), fax, and even instant messaging. 

  

Pharming: is a form of phishing, when the thieves hijack a legitimate web address, and redirect you to a phony website that looks very much like the original.  This is also termed “spoofing.”  It’s another way to steal personal information.

 

Bots:  a shortened form of “robot.”  A bot program often enters a computer through a Trojan horse program.  One bot can invite other bots to join him on your computer.  Once the bots have reached numbers large enough to be considered a “party," (you know, like out-of-control teenagers when the parents are away – one becomes two, then a few, then it's a party) they’re referred to as a Botnet, which is a group of bots that is remotely controlled from the “botMaster”’s location.  Botnets are a new tool favored by organized crime to distribute spam, extort funds, take down websites (perhaps for extortion purposes), or to engage in identity theft phishing.

 

Spam: an unrequested, unwanted message received by email or instant messaging.  Spam is often marketing for a variety of products, including pornography.  Senders have recently begun to use more images than text to convey their message in an effort to outsmart spam filters.  As you can imagine, those images might not be something you want your kids (or grandma) stumbling across.

 

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