Malware Information and Resources
Helpful information, excellent software and some very handy links.
Definitions
VIRUS: A virus is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting
copies of itself into other executable code or documents. While viruses can be intentionally
destructive (for example, by destroying data), many other viruses are fairly benign or merely
annoying. Some viruses have a delayed payload, which is sometimes called a bomb. For example, a
virus might display a message on a specific day or wait until it has infected a certain number of
hosts. A time bomb occurs during a particular date or time, and a logic bomb occurs when the user
of a computer takes an action that triggers the bomb. However, the predominant negative effect of
viruses is their uncontrolled self-reproduction, which wastes or overwhelms computer resources.
WORM: A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program, similar to a
computer virus. A virus attaches itself to, and becomes part of, another executable program;
however, a worm is self-contained and does not need to be part of another program to propagate
itself. They are often designed to exploit the file transmission capabilities found on many
computers.
SPYWARE: Any software that subverts the computer's operation for the benefit of a
third party.
TROJAN (Horse): A specialized computer virus that enters via stealth or
through another program and deposits and/or executes an often destructive bit of computer
code.
"Definitions from Wikipedia.org" (http://www.wikipepia.org)
The Resources
We highly recommend following software. Features vary between products, but they are all best of breed and highly effective .
Choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with.
A suite is usually three products bundled togethor, AntiCVirus, AntiSpam and AntiSpyware.
BitDefender is our number one choice for in terms of value for your dollar. CA and Kaspersky are somewhat more expensive but are both top performers.
CA would be the best choice for less powerfull systems as it requires very little resources to run
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BitDefender ANTIVIRUS v10
The Anti virus software solution for your personal computer!
The new and improved BitDefender scanning engines will scan and disinfect infected files on access, minimizing data loss. Infected documents can now be recovered instead of being deleted.
Version 10 also cleans and protects you from Spyware!
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| CA Internet Security Suite 2007 provides comprehensive protection against viruses,
hackers, identity thieves, spyware, spam and other online threats that can jeopardize
your privacy, your data, and your PC’s performance. |
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Kaspersky Lab has proven expertise in protecting against viruses, Internet
worms, email worms, Trojans and other malicious programs.
Probably the best Anti Virus software on the market.!
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Raved by Cnet as “the Mercedes Benz of internet security programs”!
F-Secure has been the fastest growing publicly traded AV company for the last two years!
In independent tests like AV test.org, F Secure performs better than other Internet Security
major players Symantec, MacAfee and Trend.
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Trend Micro, Inc. is a global leader in network antivirus and Internet content security products and services.
The company is focused on providing customers with customized and comprehensive security strategies to manage
the impacts of known and unknown threats. |
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Panda Security: Protection against viruses, Spyware, hackers, spam, and other internet threats.
Has your computer ever been infected with a virus or Spyware?
According to the 2006 joint CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey, viruses, unauthorized access,
and theft of proprietary information topped the list of reported financial losses.
Viruses led the list at $42,787,767, and unauthorized access losses reported at $31,233,100 with
theft of proprietary info at $30,933,000. |
Use these free Online Virus Scanners to double check your system!