Save & ShareViruses / Trojans / Worms
Description
Malware is a program that performs unexpected or unauthorized, but always malicious, actions. It is a general term used to refer to viruses, Trojans, and worms.
A computer virus is a program that has the unique ability to replicate, and like biological viruses, can spread quickly. While some viruses carry a damage routine that may only display messages or images, others may destroy files, reformat your hard drive, or cause other damage. If the virus does not contain a damage routine, it may consume storage space and memory, degrading the overall performance of your computer.
A Trojan performs a malicious action but has no replication abilities. It is named after the mythical Trojan horse. A Trojan may arrive as a seemingly harmless file or application, but actually harbor hidden malicious intent within its code. When a Trojan is executed, users may experience unwanted system operation problems or lose valuable data.
A computer worm is a self-contained program (or set of programs) that is able to spread copies of itself to other computer systems via network connections, email attachments, instant messages (via file sharing applications), and by collaborating with other malware. Some worms may also prevent a user from accessing security Web sites, or steal the licenses of installed games and applications.
How to protect your network, serversw, pcs and mobile devices from malware
- Implement a multi-layered approach that provides security at all possible entry points—including the Internet gateway, messaging gateway, endpoint clients, endpoint servers, and the network. Trend Micro offers a variety of anti-malware products and solutions to suit various enterprise needs.
- Keep all browser and instant messenger security patches up to date.
- Educate employees about the latest threats, symptoms of infection, and how to protect servers, PCs, and mobile devices:
- Open attachments only from known or expected sources.
- Delete all unwanted and suspicious messages without opening.
- Click on Web links sent only by known or expected sources, and never divulge personal confidential information such as user IDs, passwords, social security numbers, etc.—even if the requestor seems legitimate.
- Limit Internet browsing to business-related activities only.
- Do not disable enterprise antivirus, firewall, or other Internet security protection.
- Seek IT support if you experience the following:
- Overall system performance slows down.
- Files are corrupted or deleted and you are no longer able to open them.
- Commonly used programs no longer work properly.
- Noticeable reduction in hard drive and memory space.
What may happen if you don't adequately protect your technology assets from malware
- Loss in employee productivity.
- Loss of potentially critical data, information, corporate documents, etc.
- Financial cost to mitigate and repair damaged equipment.
- Damage to company image and bottom line.
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