Language is a virus.
mattd
mattd at useoz.com
Fri Jan 4 05:05:19 PST 2002
Common terms used in computer security:
-Virus: A program that replicates itself across a network, or the Internet
as a whole. The virus payload may be destructive, like deleting files, or
it could simply try to overwhelm a network by copying itself.
-Worm: A virus that replicates itself without human intervention. If the
victim has to open an e-mail attachment to get infected, it's a virus. But
if it scans for new victims and attacks by itself, it's a worm.
-Trojan horse: A program that doesn't necessarily replicate itself, but
like the legendary wooden horse is much more than it appears. A Trojan
horse program might look like a game, but instead it steals your personal
information and sends it to a criminal.
-Password sniffer: A file that seeks out passwords on your computer, then
sends them to a hacker. A keylogger can also grab anything typed on the
keyboard.
-Blended threat: A program that combines the characteristics of viruses,
worms and Trojan horses. A blended threat, like the recent Nimda outbreak,
is a recent phenomenon.
-Exploit: A program that takes advantage of a security hole in a computer
program, like Microsoft Windows or AOL Instant Messenger.
-Spyware: A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your
actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program
used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to
gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon.
These are all good as long as they have Federal Bureau of Investigation
approval like the magic lantern.
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