Malware Information and Resources

Helpful information, excellent software and some very handy links.

F-secure for Sure

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 together, AntiVirus, AntiSpam and AntiSpyware.


CA Internet Security Suite 2007
CA Internet Security Suite 2009 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.


KAV 7.0 Multi-Year/Multi-User Licenses 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.!
Play safe 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.
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 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.
Be Safe With Panda
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!



Zone Alarm: Stops them BEFORE they come in!