Skip to main content

Computer Worm - I Eat and Infect

 



When we hear the term computer worm, it is sometimes classified to a virus. Though sharing similar traits, they are completely different in their mode of infection and operation.

A computer virus usually gains entry through a file or attachment. Once inside, they need to be activated by the user. This is done by opening the infected file or executing it.

A worm, though mode of entry is the same, does not require user assistance. They infect and replicate completely autonomous.

Mode of Entry
  • File sharing: Disguised as non-suspicious media files, they spread through sharing sites like Torrent.
  • Social media: Appears as interesting links, they prompt the user to click and download.
  • Phishing: Spreads via email attachments, usually from a contact whose system has been infected.
  • Zero-day exploits: Sometimes the operating system has some bugs or security weakness which gets compromised.
  • External devices: Infected portable hard disc or USB drive    
  •  

Symptoms

  • Low internet speed.
  • Computer becomes slow and sluggish.
  • Files gets corrupt or missing.
  • Firewall starts giving repeated alerts.

Prevention
  • Make sure firewall is always on and active. Do not disable without prior reasons.
  • Invest in a paid antivirus software like Norton or McAfee.
  • If a file or email attachment appears suspicious, do not download. This is true even from trusted contacts.



Additional information


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Virtual Private Network (VPN) - Browsing Anonymous

  Privacy is a major concern when browsing the internet. Your data could be eavesdropped by hackers, companies targeting ads or even rogue state actors. What gets revealed would be personal browsing history, location monitoring, IP addresses to name a few. Enter the tech... Virtual Private Network or simply known as VPN is a technology used to prevent unauthorized access of your private data. Even if a hacker penetrates the network and get hold of data packets, all that is revealed is gibberish.  This is because all the information that passes through your device is encrypted and can be only revealed through a personal key.  Internet Service Provider Before going further, a knowledge of Internet Service Provider (ISP) is needed. They are the backbone of the World Wide Web. ISP provides each device with a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address, bandwidth allocation and network security. When a website is searched, first it goes from your device to the Router or Modem which...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cyber Stalking - Unwanted Attention

With the advent of digital age, we are more connected than ever. Social media has transcended geographical locations, and no place is out of reach. But with this type of connectivity, there is a rise in the number of antisocial players. Cyber stalking cases has reportedly gone high in recent years.  Stalking is considered as any form of unwanted attention, contact or harassment directed towards an individual. This results in victim's personal space being encroached or taken for granted.  The preparator perform stalking through fake profiles, monitoring social media sites, messages or chat history. They initiate a volley of hate speech or try to tarnish their victim's reputation. Here stalking can be also a form of love addiction. An unrequited love can cause the stalker to perform the above steps as an act of revenge. Mode of Operation Installing a piece of code in the victim's computer for accessing the webcam. The spyware comes bundled with a software which could be do...
Post a Comment
Read more

Man In The Middle Attack - EavesDropping in the Digital World

    This is a term used to describe a cyber attack where a hacker acts as middleman, during data transfer between user and an application. The app can be a financial or an E commerce website, Software as a Service (SaaS) etc. The hacker can intercept data passed via the browser to the website, and collect sensitive information such as account and credit card details, user login etc. To put it into context, it is like a postman who reads all the letters addressed to you, then reseals the same, on delivery. This way no one suspects a foul play.   Interception This is the first phase of the attack. Here the hacker establishes a connection with the target device whether a PC, Laptop or Smart phone. This is done   through various methods   like   Free WiFi  : Here a WiFi hot spot is set up  which is not password protected. When a user logs in to the network, they are in essence connecting to the hacker's system. Now any data transfer occurs via this co...
Post a Comment
Read more