| Security Threat Descriptions: Page 3 |
Spyware is a general term used for programs that covertly monitor your activity on your computer, gathering personal information,
such as usernames, passwords, account numbers, files, and even driver’s license or social security numbers. Some spyware
focuses on monitoring a person’s Internet behavior.This type of spyware often tracks the places you visit and things you do on the
web, the emails you write and receive, as well as your Instant Messaging (IM) conversations. After gathering this information, the
spyware then transmits that information to another computer, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse
in that users unknowingly install the product when they install something else. However, while this software is almost always
unwelcome, it can be used in some instances for monitoring in conjunction with an investigation and in accordance with
organizational policy. Spyware is installed in many ways. Most often spyware is installed unknowingly with some other software that
you intentionally install. For example, if you install a music or file sharing service or download a screensaver, it may also install
spyware. Some Web pages will attempt to install spyware when you visit their page. A person who wants to monitor your online
activities may also manually install spyware. Depending on how this is done, this might be acceptable surveillance of an individual or
an unwelcome, even illegal, invasion of privacy.
Trojans are often the first stage of an attack and their primary purpose is to stay hidden while downloading and installing a stronger
threat such as a bot. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojan horses cannot spread by themselves. They are often delivered to a victim
through an email message where it masquerades as an image or joke, or by a malicious website, which installs the Trojan horse on
a computer through vulnerabilities in web browser software such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Virus. A program or code that replicates; that is, infects another program, boot sector, partition sector, or document that supports
macros, by inserting itself or attaching itself to that medium. Most viruses only replicate, but many do a large amount of damage as
well.
Vulnerabilities are flaws in computer software that create weaknesses in the overall security of the computer or network.
Vulnerabilities can also be created by improper computer or security configurations. Threats exploit the weaknesses of
vulnerabilities resulting in potential damage to the computer or personal data. Companies announce vulnerabilities as they are
discovered and quickly work to fix the vulnerabilities with software and security patches. Keep software and security patches up to
date. Configure security settings for operating system, internet browser and security software. Develop personal security policies for
online behavior. Install a proactive security solution like Norton Internet Security to block threats targeting vulnerabilities
Worm. A program that makes copies of itself; for example, from one disk drive to another, or by copying itself using email or another
transport mechanism. The worm may do damage and compromise the security of the computer. It may arrive in the form of a joke
program or software of some sort.
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such as usernames, passwords, account numbers, files, and even driver’s license or social security numbers. Some spyware
focuses on monitoring a person’s Internet behavior.This type of spyware often tracks the places you visit and things you do on the
web, the emails you write and receive, as well as your Instant Messaging (IM) conversations. After gathering this information, the
spyware then transmits that information to another computer, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse
in that users unknowingly install the product when they install something else. However, while this software is almost always
unwelcome, it can be used in some instances for monitoring in conjunction with an investigation and in accordance with
organizational policy. Spyware is installed in many ways. Most often spyware is installed unknowingly with some other software that
you intentionally install. For example, if you install a music or file sharing service or download a screensaver, it may also install
spyware. Some Web pages will attempt to install spyware when you visit their page. A person who wants to monitor your online
activities may also manually install spyware. Depending on how this is done, this might be acceptable surveillance of an individual or
an unwelcome, even illegal, invasion of privacy.
Trojans are often the first stage of an attack and their primary purpose is to stay hidden while downloading and installing a stronger
threat such as a bot. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojan horses cannot spread by themselves. They are often delivered to a victim
through an email message where it masquerades as an image or joke, or by a malicious website, which installs the Trojan horse on
a computer through vulnerabilities in web browser software such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Virus. A program or code that replicates; that is, infects another program, boot sector, partition sector, or document that supports
macros, by inserting itself or attaching itself to that medium. Most viruses only replicate, but many do a large amount of damage as
well.
Vulnerabilities are flaws in computer software that create weaknesses in the overall security of the computer or network.
Vulnerabilities can also be created by improper computer or security configurations. Threats exploit the weaknesses of
vulnerabilities resulting in potential damage to the computer or personal data. Companies announce vulnerabilities as they are
discovered and quickly work to fix the vulnerabilities with software and security patches. Keep software and security patches up to
date. Configure security settings for operating system, internet browser and security software. Develop personal security policies for
online behavior. Install a proactive security solution like Norton Internet Security to block threats targeting vulnerabilities
Worm. A program that makes copies of itself; for example, from one disk drive to another, or by copying itself using email or another
transport mechanism. The worm may do damage and compromise the security of the computer. It may arrive in the form of a joke
program or software of some sort.
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