Trojans, Viruses and Worms

September 2003

Sorry I'm running late this month, but it's been a very busy season already. Ever since the blaster worm hit the internet last month I've been booked solid, and there doesn't seem to be time enough to eat much less relax!  

Speaking of the blaster worm, those of you running Windows NT, 2000, and XP need to go back for more critical updates. There are three new patches out for programming flaws similar to the one that allowed the blaster worm to cause so much havoc. Don't wait, go get the updates now!  

In addition, everyone running a Windows operating system needs to have a firewall in place. A firewall is simply a program that will stop traffic in and out of your computer that you do not authorize. (You can also by hardware that does this, but that is more commonly used by corporate users.) A great firewall is available for free at  

http://www.zonealarm.com/

You will have to dig around the site some to find the link to the free version, but it is well worth the time.

Lastly, many of you are probably wondering about the various terms you hear used in the news such as worms, viruses, and trojans. Here's a quick explanation:

Trojan or Trojan horse program - just like the famous horse of Troy, this is a program that appears to be safe, but does something you don't expect, usually malicious. This is most often seen with free software that you download, often those that run banner advertising, but at the same time are doing other things on your system that you are not aware of, such as collecting information about your surfing habits and reporting it to a central location. Trojans do not replicate - in other words, they do not spread themselves via your address book.

Virus - A program that is capable of attaching itself to other files, such as email, or to disks and spreading to other computers, usually without the user knowing this has happened. Viruses may modify other files on the system, causing damage, or they may contain a malicious program that is executed when a certain criteria is met, such as a date, or when a certain file is opened.  

Worm - Worms are programs that replicate, but do not infect other files or cause damage to other files. The greatest damage caused by worms is by overloading a system by sending excessive copies of itself over the internet or network connection. 

Hoax - Hoaxes are warnings that you receive by email about supposed viruses, or other dire warnings such as those about health issues, that are not based on fact. Hoaxes in themselves are not damaging, as they are not viruses, yet they do cause damage in numerous ways. The amount of traffic that they cause as people spread them along to friends and families slows down the internet for all users, just as "spam" mail does. Some hoaxes will contain bogus instructions for users to delete files, etc., which in some cases can actually cause damage to a system. Always be sure to check with a trusted authority before you forward a warning on to everyone in your address book! 

And always, always remember to keep your antivirus software updated - every day!

Now get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and clean, crisp fall air while you can!!

 This site maintained by The Computer Counselor