User manual

8 Viruses and more

8.1 Viruses and other malware

Adware

Adware is software that presents banner ads or in pop-up windows through a bar that

appears on a computer screen. These advertisements usually cannot be removed and are

consequently always visible. The connection data allow many conclusions on the usage

behavior and are problematic in terms of data security.

Backdoors

A backdoor can gain access to a computer by circumventing computer access security

mechanisms.

A program that is being executed in the background generally enables the attacker

almost unlimited rights. User's personal data can be spied with the backdoor's help, but

are mainly used to install further computer viruses or worms on the relevant system.

The connection data allow many conclusions on the usage behavior and are problematic

in terms of data security.

Boot viruses

The boot or master boot sector of hard disks is mainly infected by boot sector viruses.

They overwrite important information necessary for the system execution. One of the

awkward consequences: the computer system cannot be loaded any more&ldots;

Bot-Net

A bot net is defined as a remote network of PCs (on the Internet), which is composed of

bots that communicate with each other. A Bot-Net can comprise a collection of cracked

machines running programs (usually referred to as worms, Trojans) under a common

command and control infrastructure. Bot-Nets serve various purposes, including Denial-

of-service attacks etc., partly without the affected PC user's knowledge. The main

potential of Bot-Nets is that the networks can achieve dimensions on thousands of

computers and its bandwidth sum bursts most conventional Internet accesses.

Exploit

An exploit (security gap) is a computer program or script that takes advantage of a bug,

glitch or vulnerability leading to privilege escalation or denial of service on a computer

system. A form of an exploit for example are attacks from the Internet with the help of

manipulated data packages. Programs can be infiltrated in order to obtain higher access.

Hoaxes