Anti-Virus
We dread to think there's anyone
out there not running anti-virus software on their PC, but there are many who do
not regularly update their software virus definitions, these should be updated
at least once a week. Even a totally up-to-date PC is vulnerable, new viruses
can affect tens of thousands of users before anti-virus software is updated to
cope with them.
Connect
Computer Services
are extremely proficient
at removing these threats;
we will inspect your computer's
current condition, install up-to-date anti-virus software and provide simple
tuition and advice. If your computer is already infected, contact us
immediately.
Spy Ware
Spy Ware isn't a virus or a Trojan, it cannot be detected by anti-virus and firewall software, it sends information from your computer onto the Internet without your knowledge or consent.
Anyone who surfs the Internet or shares their music and pictures with others or downloads shareware or freeware is at risk, it's estimated that 9 out of 10 computers are infected putting your online privacy and security at risk. Typically, spy Ware allows others to track you on the Internet and possibly even record your credit card and personal details without your permission, additionally, it will slow down your Internet connection inundating you with unwanted pop-up ads.
Threat Glossary
Ad Ware
Programs that secretly gather personal information through the Internet and
relay it back to another computer, generally for advertising purposes. This is
often accomplished by tracking information related to Internet browser usage or
habits.
Diallers
Programs that use a system, without your permission or knowledge, to dial out
through the Internet to a 900 number or FTP site, typically to accrue charges.
Hack Tools
Tools used by a hacker to gain unauthorized access to your computer. One example
of a hack tool is a keystroke logger -- a program that tracks and records
individual keystrokes and can send this information back to the hacker.
Hoax
Usually an email that gets mailed in chain letter fashion describing some
devastating, highly unlikely type of virus. Hoaxes are detectable as having no
file attachment, no reference to a third party who can validate the claim, and
by the general tone of the message.
Joke Programs
Programs that change or interrupt the normal behaviour of your computer,
creating a general distraction or nuisance. Harmless programs that cause various
benign activities to display on your computer (for example, an unexpected screen
saver).
Remote Access
Programs that allow another computer to gain information or to attack or alter
your computer, usually over the Internet. Remote access programs detected in
virus scans may be recognizable commercial software, which are brought to the
user's attention during the scan.
Spy Ware
Stand-alone programs that can secretly monitor system activity. These may detect
passwords or other confidential information and transmit them to another
computer. Spy ware can be downloaded from Web sites (typically in shareware or
freeware), email messages, and instant messengers. A user may unknowingly
trigger spy ware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software
program linked to the spy ware.
Trojan Horse
A program that neither replicates nor copies itself, but causes damage or
compromises the security of the computer. Typically, an individual emails a
Trojan horse to you-it does not email itself-and it may arrive in the form of a
joke program or software of some sort.
Virus
A program or code that replicates; that is, infects another program, boot
sector, partition sector, or document that supports macros, by inserting itself
or attaching itself to that medium. Most viruses only replicate, though, many do
a large amount of damage as well.
Worm
A program that makes copies of itself; for example, from one disk drive to
another, or by copying itself using email or another transport mechanism. The
worm may do damage and compromise the security of the computer. It may arrive in
the form of a joke program or software of some sort.