Computer Malware Could Lead to Disastrous Results

According to OnguardOnline.gov, a government Website of the United States, cyber criminals create attractive Websites, entreating downloads and convincing stories as baits for users to click links that actually download malware.

This malware could be a computer virus or spyware that is employed to commit theft of personal information or to push out spam or used for other kinds of fraud on computers. According to OnguardOnline.gov, the warning indications of malware typically include slow down of the PC, computer's refusal to restart or shut down or repeated display of error messages.

Malware might also exist in a computer that serves up plenty of pop-up ads or one that displays ads even when it is offline. malware could also display programs or Web pages that users didn't think of using or transmits e-mail that they hadn't written.

Malware, unfortunately, continues to exist despite dramatic changes in organizations' approach to data security and companies continue to make such changes, in a way that would enable security professionals to keep earning their money.

Interestingly, with respect to this aspect, protecting the organization's perimeters against unauthorized intrusion was previously regarded as the best method. Then, encrypting resources and sensitive data gained favor with stronger authentication methods as complementary techniques to limit access to PCs, servers and media.

But now, the computer security system embraces regulatory compliance and data security, bringing the two requirements within the fold of privacy, accountability and data protection, irrespective of the form in which the data exists.

However, anyone in the IT security industry with some experience would know that accomplishing 100% security is only an oxymoron. The falsifying tactics of online thieves and hackers in their attempts to infringe on security is an unending bid to defeat the prescience and inventiveness of data protection pros that are placed to thwart the criminals' malicious attempts.

OnguardOnline.gov, therefore, recommends that anytime a person suspects a malware infection or receives malware-infected e-mail, he/she should immediately stop all online activities of providing personal information. It also recommends users to have proper security software installed on their computer and to conduct scans for spyware and other viruses.

Related article: Computer Virus Writers Adopt New Strategy

» SPAMfighter News - 4/5/2008