InternetSafetyforKidsFamiliesTheBasicsofWebThreats.pdfVIP

Internet Safety for Kids Families The Basics of Web Threats Web Threats: Web threats are malicious software programs such as spyware, adware, trojan horse programs, bots, viruses, or worms, etc. that are installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission. These programs utilize the Web to spread, hide, update themselves and send stolen data back to criminals. They can also be combined to do the crime — for example, a trojan can download spyware or a worm can be used to infect your computer with a bot. Here are some basic defi nitions and safety tips for web threats: Threat Definition Malware A software program that is secretly placed on your computer to do unexpected or unauthorized, but always malicious actions. Virus A program that can copy itself and, like real-life viruses, spread quickly. Viruses are designed to damage your computer, display unexpected messages or images, destroy fi les, reformat your hard drive, or take up storage space and memory in your computer which may slow it down. Worm A self-contained program that can spread copies of itself to other computer systems through network connections, email attachments, instant messages (via fi le-sharing applications), and by working with other malware. Worms may block you from accessing certain web sites or steal the licenses for applications you have installed on your computer. Trojan Horse A program that performs a malicious action but cannot replicate itself. It may arrive as a harmless fi le or application with hidden, malicious code. When it is executed, you may experience unwanted system problems and might sometimes lose information from your computer. Spam Any message sent by email or instant message (IM