Badware - A catch all category for any
type of malevolent software. Adware, spyware,
keylogger, malware, and virus all fall into the category of badware.
Malware threat - Anything that has the
potential to damage a computer system or network.
Root kit - A program frequently used by
third parties (usually an intruder) after gaining access to a computer system. This program is intended to conceal one
or more running processes. Root
kits are used to protect potentially dangerous processes or files from discovery
by rendering them invisible to the end user.
Spyware - Any software that covertly
gathers user information.
Trojan - Code that does something that is
not expected by the executor of the code.
Many times, Trojan
horse code is malevolent. Usually, Trojans are embedded in seemingly harmless
freeware, software downloads or files collected with file sharing
applications.
Virus - A program that infects a computer by
attaching itself to another program and propagating itself when that program is
executed. Trojans and worms are types of viruses.
Worm - A type of
virus that copies itself and spreads through the both the user’s and any
connecting systems.
Worms
can use up valuable resources
or cause other damage. A worm does not need to be attached to another
program.
