Ask the Helpdesk: What are Malware and Botnets?

You know you don’t want them, but what are they?

The internet… What would we do without the internet? It’s an extremely powerful tool that we have come to know, love and depend on. Just like many things in life that we love, it doesn’t come without risk. We love riding bikes, driving cars, taking walks, but those things don’t come without risk of danger much like the internet. You wouldn’t ride your bike without a helmet, or drive without buckling your seat belt, or take a stroll without being aware of cars around you. You don’t want to go online without taking some basic precautions.

What You Need to Know:

Viruses

Viruses are destructive computer programs that can be spread in a number of ways. There are many different viruses out there, but they are all intended to transmit themselves from one computer to another through the Internet. They are designed to give the creator access to the infected computers.

Spyware

When you visit an unsafe website, spyware and adware can download themselves to your computer without your permission. It’s important to be sure when you are browsing the internet, that you trust the sites you are visiting. Spyware has the ability to track your online movements, steal your passwords and compromise your accounts.

Botnets

If your computer is infected with botnet malware, it receives instructions about what it’s supposed to do from computers controlled by cybercriminals. What they do with your computer depends on what they are trying to accomplish.

Botnets are networks of computers infected by malware. They are designed to gather data, such as passwords, social security numbers, credit card numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and other personal information.  The data is then typically used as identity theft, credit card fraud, spamming, website attacks, and malware distribution.

What You Can Do:

According to The National Cyber Security Alliance, you can protect yourself with these tips:

  • Keep a Clean Machine: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
  • When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
  • Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smart phones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
  • Plug & scan: “USBs” and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.