Cyber Security Definitions

Virus:
A piece of computer code that attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from computer to computer, infecting as it travels. Viruses can damage your software, your hardware, and your files. A virus requires the action of a person to spread itself.

Worm:
A subclass of virus. A worm generally spreads without user action and distributes complete copies (possibly modified) of itself across networks. A worm can consume memory or network bandwidth, thus causing a computer to stop responding.

Trojan Horse:
A computer program that appears to be useful but that actually does damage. For example, an e-mail that included attachments claiming to be Microsoft security updates, but turned out to be viruses that attempted to disable antivirus and firewall software.

Internet Hoaxes: including Virus Hoaxes, Urban Legends and Chain Letters:
Interspersed among the junk mail and spam that fills our email are dire warnings about devastating new viruses. Added to that are messages about free money, children in trouble, and other items designed to grab your interest and get you to forward the message to everyone you know. Most all of these messages are hoaxes or chain letters. If you receive an email warning about a virus, it is frequently a hoax. Probably the first thing you should notice about a warning is the request to "send this to everyone you know" or some variant of that statement. This should raise a red flag that the warning is probably a hoax.

Adware:
Software that displays advertisements on your computer. These are ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware:
Software that sends your personal information to a third party without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about Web sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsolicited targeted advertisements.

Zombie:
Zombies are computers that have been taken over by hackers and spammers, who then use the machine as a launching pad for malicious attacks. To prevent your work PC from being turned into a Zombie follow the Best Practices recommended to prevent viruses. For your home computer follow the advice in the Home Computer Security section.

Firewall:
A hardware or software tool that prevents access to your computer. A firewall will will render your computer invisible to hackers’ probes. Hackers run scanning programs over the Internet, looking for computers with electronic openings, called ports. A good firewall makes your computer invisible to the scanners. The goal of these intruders is to place a Trojan horse on your computer. The rogue program uses the open port previously identified by a scanner. A firewall blocks those transmissions. They can only go through if you agree. Always say no, unless you recognize the program. For firewall recommendations see the Home Computer Security page.

Spam:
Unsolicited commercial email.

Phishing:
Fraudulent spam used to trick people into divulging personal financial details, such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and passwords. May include menacing messages like, "If we do not get your updated billing information, your account will be revoked.” Could appear to come from your bank, credit unions, EBay, PayPal, AOL, etc.