The language of viruses: malware, spyware, worms, ransomware

One of the greatest risks for web users has to be that their computer might become infected by viruses: such threats are becoming more and more imposing and widespread and their objective is usually to extort information, sensitive data and/or money from their victims.

How can we protect ourselves against this problem? The first thing is to distinguish between the various dangers present on the web, so as to be able to defend ourselves in the right way. So here are some definitions to explore and learn: basic concepts to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Malware

This is a generic term indicating any program which is harmful to a system and is an acronym of Malicious Software. Considering that it groups together various IT threats, anti-malware software has the capability to resolve a larger number of problems compared to a simple anti-virus.

The reason for this is that, by definition and thanks to its features, an antivirus is much more specific than anti-malware. Having said that, in any case, that distinction is gradually disappearing, because the new antiviruses are getting more and more efficient, including against the various types of malware.

Spyware

The aim of this kind of program is to spy on computers belonging to other users in order to steal their personal data. The information created regards websites visited, credit card numbers, access information etc.

To eliminate this problem, special antivirus or anti-spyware programs are used. In such cases the damage is not so much to the software or hardware components, but in terms of privacy and financial cost.

Worms

This software is extremely damaging for computers connected to LAN networks, because it destroys all computers connected to that network within a very short space of time. It is able to re-produce itself through network protocols autonomously, but it can be successfully eliminated by simply disconnecting the computers from the LAN and launching an antivirus.

Needless to say, before reconnecting the computers, it is essential to ascertain that the threat has been completely eliminated, otherwise it will start to spread again uncontrollably (the real problems in this case are when there the number of computers in the network is very high).

Ransomware

As soon as this tool is launched it blocks a computer’s desktop activity completely and causes a false message from the ‘authorities’ to appear on the screen. Its purpose is to obtain money from users in exchange for a code to un-block the computer.

In order to resolve this problem, it is essential not to give in to the blackmail. On the contrary, it is a good idea to reset the computer, using a solution such as a set-up CD from Avira or Kaspersky.  After that however, all documents must be un-encrypted (which is not always possible) using a special tool.

In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are many other threats such as Keylogger, Trojan Horse, Adware, Scareware/Rogue, Exploit/Vulnerability/Security Fail/Bug, Backdoor and Rootkit/Bootkit.

As one might expect, defence is the first step in avoiding unpleasant personal, professional or financial repercussions. Of course when under attack it is easy to lose sight of reason, but it is essential to intervene in the most appropriate way.

If you are not familiar with malware, it is a good idea to seek immediate help from an expert, who will know what steps should be taken to limit damage to a minimum (never try to take matters into your own hands if you are not well-versed in the subject).

Another useful piece of advice is not to give in to financial blackmail, because this would give the impression that you can be controlled and you would automatically become the potential victim of more cyber-attacks. Furthermore, you don’t know for sure if, even after paying out the money requested, you will get back what was illicitly taken.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith