There are various types of malevolent computer programs. Most people
commonly refer to all of these types of “malware” as viruses,
but there are several variants with different functions. The more
common types are listed below.
VIRUSES
A computer virus is a program designed to replicate and spread on
its own, usually without a user's knowledge. Computer viruses spread
by attaching themselves to an existing file or program on your computer.
When an infected file is used or an infected computer is turned on,
the virus goes to work. Some of these viruses destroy certain types
of files on the infected computer, while others aim to make the machine
unusable. Email attachments are the biggest source of viruses; others
can be contained inside word processing documents. The Melissa
virus, which first appeared in 1999, spread itself through Microsoft
Outlook email messages and corrupted Microsoft Word documents.
TROJAN HORSES
A Trojan horse is another type of malevolent computer program. As
the name implies, a Trojan horse is a seemingly useful program that
comes with a nasty, hidden surprise. Trojan horses are often designed
to cause damage to your computer. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do
not make copies of themselves. Like viruses, they can cause significant
damage to a computer. Variants of the malware known as Bagle
or Beagle, which allowed hackers access to your computer,
are Trojan horses.
WORMS
Worms, like viruses, replicate themselves. However, instead of spreading
from file to file on a single computer, they spread from computer
to computer. They are designed to smuggle themselves from one computer
to another by means of email, file attachments or file sharing. Worms
are intended to infect as many machines as possible and can cause
significant damage to a computer network. The much ballyhooed MyDoom
virus, which crippled computer networks, is actually a worm.
VIRUS HOAXES
A virus hoax is an email that is intended to scare people about a
non-existent virus threat. People often forward these alerts, thinking
they are doing a service to their friends and family. This resulting
flood of emails causes panic, lost productivity, and lost time. The
increased email traffic can drastically slow down email systems. Some
email hoaxes directed computer users to search for and delete files
on their computers, which were not harmful at all; they were actually
critical system files.
KEEPING CURRENT
If you would like to keep abreast of the current crop of virus, please
visit one or more of the following websites.
HOME VIRUS PROTECTION
All members of the Georgetown University community can download antivirus
software free of charge from http://www.georgetown.edu/uis/services/downloads/#4.
Instructions for doing so are located at http://www.law.georgetown.edu/ist/antivirus/antivirus.htm.
VIRUS NOTIFICATIONS FROM THE LAW CENTER
If you receive an email regarding a virus from LawISTAdmin,
please take it seriously.
If you have further questions regarding
viruses, please contact the Technology Reference Desk at 202-662-9905
or studenthelp@law.georgetown.edu
.
