Security Threats and Security Software - breenoconnor.com · network security flaws ... Software...
Transcript of Security Threats and Security Software - breenoconnor.com · network security flaws ... Software...
Security Threats and Security Software
Types of Threat
Virus
Trojan
Worm
Sypware/Adware
Phishing
Virus
A virus is a malicious computer program
Running a file containing virus code can harm your computer
A virus will replicate itself
Trojan
A trojan is a method of delivering viruses
A trojan poses as safe software while installing malicious software in the background
A trojan may attempt to allow a third party to gain access to functions of your computer
Worms
A worm is a method of delivering a virus
A worm spreads to computers using network security flaws
A worm requires no user action in order to infect computers
Spyware,Scareware,Ransomware
Sypware collects inforamtion without your knowledge
Scareware attempts to scare you into paying to have it removed
Ransomware infects your computer and attempts to charge you to fix it
Phishing
Attempting to gain private information by posing as a trustworthy source
Private information can then be used to hijack credit cards, bank accounts, create false ID’s, etc.
Protecting Yourself and Your Computer
Software
Anti-Virus
Anti-Malware/Anti-Spyware
Firewalls
OS updates
Knowledge
Understanding of computer security
Using good practices
Antivirus
AntiVirus programs provide 2 functions:
Perform scans of your computer
Monitor computer activity
Antivirus updates are important
download updates from the Internet
Common antivirus software
Microsoft Security Essentials*
Norton Antivirus (Symantec)
AVG,Trend, Avast, Panda, etc.
Anti-Spyware
Spyware programs install themselves without your knowledge
They are often bundled with software that you actually want
They track websites you have been to
They may hijack your browser
Common anti-spyware software:
Ad-aware
SpyBot
Malwarebytes
Super AntiSpyware
Firewalls
A firewall blocks access to your computer
A firewall can prevent Hackers from gaining access or control of your computer
You can specify what information can travel to and from your computer
Common Firewall software:
Microsoft Windows firewall
Zone Alarm
McAfee firewall
Norton firewall
Update Your OS
In order to protect against new threats, you must keep your OS up to date.
For most users this means visiting the Microsoft Update website
Newer operating systems can automatically download and install updates
Use Good Practices
Understand the different types of threat
Use secure passwords
Do not open suspicious e-mail attachments
Do not download software from untrusted sites
Do not provide personal information
Prepare for the worst (Backup critical data)