1. Viruses and Virus Protection
A basic overview by
Jacob Benko

2. Definitions Malware: Virus:
A piece of software designed to take over or damage a computer
Includes viruses, worms, trojans, backdoors, spyware, key loggers, dialers, browser hijackers, etc
Virus:
Strictly: “Self replicating code”
Technically must reside within some “host” file, and cannot spread to other computer unless a user sends it.

3. Common Threats Worm: Trojan Horse Backdoor:
A specific type of virus that can stand alone without attaching to a process, and spreads itself between computers by some means
Trojan Horse
A piece of malware that is disguised as a legitimate program
Backdoor:
A piece of software that allows access to a computer bypassing standard authentication

4. AIM Viruses Most are links to a webpage where you download the malware
Usually place the message in a user profile or relay the message to everyone on a user’s buddy list
A type of worm that uses social engineering to spread
Use cleverly (and often timely) worded messages to entice the user into clicking the link
Ex: on Valentines day: “Valentine’s sexy pix”

5. Internet Worms
Often use network vulnerabilities to automatically spread
ALL operating systems contain security flaws, and many worms use these flaws to spread to non-updated computers
Famous worms include
Nimda, Code Red (2001)
Blaster, Sobig (2003)
MyDoom, Sasser (2004)

6. Trojan Horses
Must be spread by a user from one computer to another. Common transmittal means:
Attachments
Cracks and Keygens from websites
P2P Files
Many P2P networks are saturated with files infected by trojan horses
These files may appear to work and perform their task, but in the background may install some malware such as a backdoor.

7. Protection
Antivirus software made by McAfee and Norton/Symantec have “on access scans”
These scan any file before it runs, to check it for known viruses
This list of known viruses will not contain every possible threat, and newer viruses may not be recognized
This list is constantly updated by the AV company as they identify threats, and you must update to this list regularly to stay protected

8. Basic Guidelines
If you are not sure about an AIM message or an attachment either
So not open it at all, or
Ask the person who sent it if they meant to send it, and scan the file for viruses manually
Keep your antivirus up to date
Most have auto-update feature, make sure it is on
Be wary of any programs you download from an untrusted webpage or P2P networks

9. Any Questions?

10. Thanks for not coming
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