What exactly is attacking my computer?

When it comes to security threats, it’s no longer as simple as a virus. There are many
kinds of malware that attack your machine. Here is a quick look at what they are and
what they do.

Virus
A program that piggybacks on other fi les,
and spreads with malicious intent, these
are actually uncommon now
Common sources: public computers, fl ash
memory, LAN
Solution: Use a security suite
Worm
Unlike a virus, a worm can spread
without attaching itself to fi les. It is also
programmed to change itself, making
variants more diffi cult to detect. Sometimes
worms are updated remotely.
Common sources: LAN, email
Solution: Update the system and anti-virus,
use a fi rewall, track security patches
Trojan
A Trojan is a software that pretends
to work for you, but is actually doing
something else, being a part of a botnet or
allowing for unauthorised access.
Common sources: torrents, suspicious
downloads, web sites
Solution: be careful of what you download
Exploit
An exploit is an inherent “hole” in an
operating system or software, that allows
malware such as Trojans or viruses to
spread
Common sources: The base operating
system, installed software (such as offi ce
suites)
Solution: keep your system and applications
updated