Introduction to

communication
# technology
Lecture #6

Prepared by:

Maria Emaan
Faculty CS dept, SBBWUpeshawer
Computer security threats
contents

– Computer viruses
– Viruses sources
– Spreading ways
– Viruses types
– Online spying tools
– Preventions
– Antiviruses
Viruses

– A computer virus is a code that can destruct files or system. It has

many types and different ways of working.
– Communication technology is one way to spread the virus. With
the connection of a system to the public system will increase the
percentage of possibilities infected with computer viruses.
Viruses sources:

Four common sources are:

1. Internet:
An obvious way to get a computer virus is through the Internet. You should always
exercise caution before you download any file or document.
2. Email
Besides randomly downloading files on the Internet, email is the next most
common source of viruses. Be careful of downloading email attachments that are
forwarded to several addresses. If you receive an out-of-character message from a
friend or family member, send the email right to your spam folder.
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3. Removable Storage:
Viruses from removable storage may not occur as frequently as the from the
aforementioned sources, but it’s still a possibility. Don’t let just anybody plug a flash drive
into your computer. And when they do, have the files checked by an anti-virus software.
4. Bluetooth:
Even less common than from removable storage, viruses can also come from Bluetooth
transfers. You can unknowingly have a virus transferred to your computer through a
Bluetooth transfer.
viruses;
How does computer virus spread

– A computer virus spreads through removable media, internet downloads, and

e-mail attachments.
– In other words, a virus spreads while the user is viewing an infected
advertisement, visiting an infected website, opening the attachment in the
email, or clicking on an executable file.
– There are two ways by which a virus operates; the first type starts replicating
itself as soon as it lands on the computer; the second type remains dormant
until it is triggered.
Viruses; types

Computer viruses come in different forms, and the most common infections are:
1. Boot Sector Virus: The Boot Sector virus infects the master boot record, and it mostly spreads
through the removable media.
2. Direct Action Virus: The Direct-Action Virus remains dormant on a computer until the file
containing the virus is executed.
3. Resident Virus: The Resident Virus inserts itself in a computer system’s memory.
4. Multipartite Virus: The Multipartite Virus infects and spreads in multiple ways.
5. Overwrite Virus: As the name suggests, an Overwrite Virus spreads through emails
and deletes all the files it infects.
6. File Infector Virus: A File Infector Virus is also known as Parasitic Virus because it
comes attached to program files, such as .COM or .EXE files.
Other security thetas:
Online spying Tools

1. Trojan
– Trojans in a computer system is a program that is not expected and
inserted without the knowledge of the owner of the equipment.
– This program has a remote control. Usually Trojan is a client-server
program.
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2. Spam
– Spam is messages sent to somebody containing unrelated information during
internet activity. The purpose of spam is to advertise certain products or
services. These ads are usually inserted by viruses, trojans, or worms.
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3. Worm
– A worm is a computer program that can perform self-duplication on a system.
An embedded worm infects the computer's registry and creates a script to
multiply itself by utilizing a computer network without the need for
authentication from the brain-ware.
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4. Spyware
– Spyware is a program that can record secretly any computer
network activity. It can steal PIN, password, bank account and
others.
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5. Adware
– Adware is a product or service offering that is part of a site or app .
– Adware is very easy to dispose of, but there is also adware that has a strong
defense.
Prevention;
How prevent your system for these threats?

1. Virus attacks can be prevented or mitigated using antivirus software. This type of software can also detect and
remove computer viruses. The software vendor must provide and renew the computer virus database to kill the
infected computer.
2. Install Anti-Virus/Malware Software.
3. Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Up to Date.
4. Run Regularly Scheduled Scans with Your Anti-Virus Software.
5. Secure Your Network.
6. Think Before You Click.
7. Keep Your Personal Information Safe.
8. Don’t Use Open Wi-Fi.
9. Back Up Your Files.
10. Use Multiple Strong Passwords.
Some Anti-Viruses software:
The End