Viruses, worms and other critters - how you can protect your computer

Millions of hacker attacks occur each day. Even the Munich Research Network (MWN), with its more than 55,000 computers, is constantly attacked from the outside. How do these malicious programs function and how can you protect your computer?

Terminology

There are many different types of malicious programs or so-called malware. Viruses are the oldest form and the colloquial term for any type of malicious program. They spread by contaminating computer programs or files that, in turn, infect other files that have yet to be contaminated when the computer is started, thus reproducing themselves. Worms are more common, however. They typically utilize an existing infrastructure or system like an email program. As soon as the user opens the attachment of an infected email, the malware sends itself to all of the email addresses stored in the affected computer as a way of spreading to other computers.

Trojans are currently the most widely distributed form of malware. While passing themselves off as useful applications, unseen they actually install an unwanted malicious program on the computer. The goal is to mine passwords, credit card numbers or account numbers.

How do I protect my computer?

For information on how you can protect your computer, and to learn what you should do if your computer is hacked or infected with malware, follow these links:

...for employees > secure workplace

...for students > secure computer