Malware

Malicious software (malware):
A wide range of software that has been designed for a purpose contrary to the

wishes of the user who is ‘infected.’

Computer Virus:

 * Often attach themselves to legitimate programs or a place where they will be executed.
 * Will perform its replication before passing control to the legitimate executable file to which they are attached,
 * Avoid detection in many devious ways such as encrypting themselves so that its signature is different or by having code to send a ‘OK’ signal to specific virus checkers.
 * A program that needs to be executed to perform its payload (the payload is the portion of the malware which performs malicious action. For computer viruses this usually is not just replication.)

Computer Worm:

 * A worms main purpose is to consume bandwidth however it can sometimes allow for back doors to computers on a network which and turn them into a ‘zombie’
 * A worm is a program that rapidly replicates itself through a network without the need of user assistance.
 * Causes organisation networks to have to be shut down

Trojan:

 * A trojan is a virus disguised as another software package that performs a different usually legitimate purpose. It cannot replicate well and instead relies on users to download, run and distribute it. Its payloads include…
 * Install a spambot
 * Install software to allow the owner of the Trojan to access the infected computer
 * Turn the computer into a ‘zombie
 * Delete files like a virus can

Spyware/Adware:

 * A type of malware that usually does not replicate and relies on being the payload of other malware with the exception of it being installed via accessing vulnerabilities on internet explorer. This spyware gathers personal info to…
 * Display pop ups frequently that relate to your browsing activity in most cases
 * Allow for identity theft with