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

X86 vs ARM - The PC War

X86 Vs ARM A Hype?  Recently laptops powered by ARM processors have taken industry by storm. Touted as being highly power efficient, providing 18 hours backup, on as single charge. That too while running multiple program instances. Would this spell an end to the x86 architecture, where Intel and AMD rule. Or will the tables turn around? What's the Difference? Let's start with an x86 based CPU. They feature a single processing unit which can be integrated to other external peripherals like Memory, GPU etc. Here each peripheral has a separate controller, knitted together by address and data BUS. When we look at ARM all the above components (Memory, GPU) are integrated within the main chip. Known commonly as SOC (System on a Chip) . This helps in reduced footprint. But they do come with a drawback. Cannot expand by adding extra peripherals. Coming to complexity, x86 provides a simpler set up, at least for a developer. Here most of the core tasks such as Memory Read/Write, Arithmet...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Brain within an Embedded System-Difference between Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

To understand the working of an Integrated Circuit, we need to first understand what an Embedded System is.  It is basically a conjunction of Hardware and Software parts. Embedded System is a stripped-down version of a mainstream computer, specializing in a single task. They are connected either as a standalone device, or as part of a larger electrical or mechanical system. Mainly in consumer electronics like fridges or microwaves, they have low power rating and, is economical to build. Embedded system performs complex mathematical calculations at any specific time. This is done thru a Central Processing Unit (CPU) , mostly a Microcontroller or at times, a Microprocessor. A Sensor is used to collect data from the external environment Eg: Temperature, atmospheric pressure etc. This is then fed into an Analog to Digital (ADC) converter. The digital signal thus obtained is stored in memory and, decoded by the CPU.  The output of the operation is then fed to a Digital to Analog...
Post a Comment
Read more

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