Harmful computer program that accesses your computer without your permission.
Malware is a term that is used for malicious software that is designed to do damage or unwanted actions to a computer system. Examples of malware include the following: Show
Select a heading below for more information What is a computer virus?A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another and interferes with computer operation. A computer virus might corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an email program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk. Tip: For information about the symptoms of a computer virus, go to the Microsoft PC Security website. What is a worm?A worm is computer code that spreads without user interaction. Most worms begin as email attachments that infect a computer when they're opened. The worm scans the infected computer for files, such as address books or temporary webpages, that contain email addresses. The worm uses the addresses to send infected email messages, and frequently mimics (or spoofs) the "From" addresses in later email messages so that those infected messages seem to be from someone you know. Worms then spread automatically through email messages, networks, or operating system vulnerabilities, frequently overwhelming those systems before the cause is known. Worms aren't always destructive to computers, but they usually cause computer and network performance and stability problems. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What is a trojan horse?A trojan horse is a malicious software program that hides inside other programs. It enters a computer hidden inside a legitimate program, such as a screen saver. Then it puts code into the operating system that enables a hacker to access the infected computer. Trojan horses do not usually spread by themselves. They are spread by viruses, worms, or downloaded software. What is spyware?Spyware can install on your computer without your knowledge. These programs can change your computer’s configuration or collect advertising data and personal information. Spyware can track Internet search habits and can also redirect your web browser to a different website than you intend to go to. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What is rogue security software?A rogue security software program tries to make you think that your computer is infected by a virus and usually prompts you to download or buy a product that removes the virus. The names of these products frequently contain words like Antivirus, Shield, Security, Protection, or Fixer. This makes them sound legitimate. They frequently run right after you download them, or the next time that your computer starts. Rogue security software can prevent applications, such as Internet Explorer, from opening. Rogue security software might also display legitimate and important Windows files as infections. Typical error messages or pop-up messages might contain the following phrases: Warning!
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For more information see Protect yourself from tech support scams. How to remove malware such as a virus, spyware, or rogue security softwareRemoving a computer virus or spyware can be difficult without the help of malicious software removal tools. Some computer viruses and other unwanted software reinstall themselves after the viruses and spyware are detected and removed. Fortunately, by updating the computer and by using malicious software removal tools, you can help permanently remove unwanted software. What type of program infects your computer without your permission?Malware is a catch-all term for various malicious software, including viruses, adware, spyware, browser hijacking software, and fake security software. Once installed on your computer, these programs can seriously affect your privacy and your computer's security.
What is a harmful program to a computer system?Harmful Software (Malware)
Malware is a shortened term for "malicious software." Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer without the owner's consent or knowledge. There are many types of malware, including: Viruses: malware that spreads from computer disks, CD-ROMs, and other storage media.
What are 6 programs that can harm your computer?Understanding the Six Most Common Types of Malware. Virus. Viruses are designed to damage the target computer or device by corrupting data, reformatting your hard disk, or completely shutting down your system. ... . Worm. ... . Trojan Horse. ... . Spyware. ... . Adware. ... . Ransomware.. What are some harmful programs?Below, we describe how they work and provide real-world examples of each.. Ransomware. Ransomware is software that uses encryption to disable a target's access to its data until a ransom is paid. ... . Fileless Malware. ... . Spyware. ... . Adware. ... . Trojan. ... . Worms. ... . Virus. ... . Rootkits.. |