Malware

The term “malware” is short for malicious software. This term is often used in the computer industry to encompass virtually all of the different types of computer threats and contaminants that we will describe in this post.

Viruses & Worms

This is by far the most common and widespread form of computer threat . Different viruses and worms are not similar in what they do insomuch as how they spread and infect multiple computer systems. Typically a virus or worm will attach itself to a program or executable file, and when that file is accessed or executed, the virus will spread itself to other files. A worm works in a similar manner, but typically does not require user intervention in order to spread. Additionally, these files often will perform some other devious, unwanted action as part of their infection routine, such as erasing files of corrupting data. It is typically very obvious when a compter system has been infected by a worm or virus due to data loss of a drastic reduction in system performance or access.

Spyware

Spyware is an ever increasing threat to data security, and one that is getting more and more difficult to guard against. Essentially spyware does exactly what the name implies… it spies on your computer and how you use it. Typically, this is done for profit, and there are a few major themes that apply to spyware.

The first is that some spyware (small applications loaded onto your computer by nefarious programs and websites) tracks and reports where you go, what you do, and what you look at while online. This info is then used to push unwanted pop-up or other kinds of advertising to your computer. Another type of spyware will load itself to your computer in order to try to log keystrokes… basically making a record of every key you press in order. This is a way that scammers and data thieves can capture your passwords to online sites like stores, banking, and email. It can also be used to try to capture social security numbers, drivers license numbers, and even credit card numbers.

It is often difficult to know when a system has been infected with spyware as the whole point is to keep the computer operational so that the data can be collected. However, like most thieves, those engaging in spyware intrusions get greedy, and often a machine will be infected with dozens of spyware instances, which eventually degrade performance and provide a clue to the user that something is just not right.

Scareware

Scareware  is a fairly new phenomenon, but it is one that is growing dramatically. Scareware is software that gets loaded to your computer systems and does one of typically two things… first, it may block your PC from running applications until you pay a fee to remove the software lock (the scareware application). The second type loads itself to the PC and looks identical to legitimate security and virus software, and will notify the user that the machine is heavily infected. The software then encourages you to purchase a subscription to “upgrade” to a premier version in order to eradicate the bogus infection.

We vehemently advise you NOT TO DO THIS for either type of scareware intrusion. You will pay the money via a credit or debit card, and typically the software does not remove itself, and the person or persons who designed it now have your full credit card processing information. This is a huge liability for the consumer, and typically leads to massive identity theft issues.

Additionally, do not confuse scareware with shareware. Shareware is generally a legitimate software package or application that is offered free of charge to potential users.

How to be a Retronaut

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“How to be a Retronaut” is what we call a media blog. People from all over the world have submitted “capsules” which are published at the site daily, and each tells a unique story using video and images.  Whether it is a capsule containing pictures of little known abandoned stuctures around the globe, or one containing videos of past events, it’s almost always an interesting read.