Malware

Using the Internet exposes your personal computer to Malware. Malware, short for malicious software, is usually downloaded from the Internet as part of an e-mail or other program and therefore often goes unnoticed. Malware is classified into four categories. The first two, viruses and dialers, are usually created with mischief, deceit and damage in mind. The other two, Adware and Spyware, are often thought of as less aggressive yet still invasive. Malware can take over your computer, spy on your surfing habits, and even use your modem to make toll calls to high priced phone services.

Viruses
Virus creators hide or disguise viruses to look like a safe attachment or download. The computer user opens this link and infects their computer. Depending on the type of virus, it may be able to reproduce itself and spread even further using your computer as a tool.

To protect yourself from the threat of a virus, always use virus protection software. Several companies offer antivirus solutions. The most popular are Symantec's Norton AntiVirus, McAfee's VirusScan, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Panda Software Antivirus, Trend Micro PC-cillin, and F-Secure Antivirus. As with most computer programs, opinions vary on which is the best, but they all work by recognizing the virus and keeping it from infecting your computer. However, because new viruses are created daily, you must keep an updated virus list.

Dialers
Dialers can be the most expensive of Malware type programs to a computer user. Often associated with adult sites, they can take over your computer modem and make toll calls to overseas phone services or file transfer sites (FTP). Most dialers can be detected using antivirus software.

Adware
Adware causes unwanted windows to open on your screen. These windows, often called pop-ups, contain advertisements. Adware can change your home page to an advertiser's site or divert you to other Web sites. These programs commonly spread through peer-to-peer file sharing networks. The networks sell advertisers the right to imbed the software in downloads.

Spyware
Advertisers and marketing companies usually generate Spyware through peer-to-peer networks as well. Spyware gathers information about your online activities and sends it from your computer whenever you connect to the Internet. This information is usually general marketing type information such as sites visited, browsers used, or time spent online rather than specific information like credit card numbers or passwords.

Adware and Spyware programs are often poorly written and can cause computers to function improperly. To prevent programs such as adware and spyware from affecting your online activities, you can download a spyware removal tool. There are several online versions available for free,  such as Ad-Aware and Spybot. For more information on Spyware and removal tools, visit http://www.spychecker.com/home.html or enter "spyware" in your favorite search engine. The Credit Union does not support spyware removal or advocate the software mentioned above. Please consult their sites for technical assistance.