Antivirus software

Vulnerabilities are flaws in computer software that create weaknesses in the overall security of the computer or network. Vulnerabilities can also be created by improper computer or security configurations. Threats exploit the weaknesses of vulnerabilities resulting in potential damage to the computer or personal data.

How Do You Know

Companies announce vulnerabilities as they are discovered and quickly work to fix the vulnerabilities with software and security “patches”.

What To Do

• Keep software and security patches up to date
• Configure security settings for operating system, internet browser and security software
• Develop personal security policies for online behavior
• Install a proactive security solution like Norton
• Internet Security to block threats targeting vulnerabilities

Spyware can be downloaded from Web sites, email messages, instant messengers and from direct file-sharing connections. Additionally, a user may unknowingly receive spyware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software program.

How Do You Know

Spyware frequently attempts to remain unnoticed, either by actively hiding or by simply not making its presence on a system known to the user.

What To Do

• Use Norton Internet Security to proactively protect from spyware and other security risks
• Configure the firewall in Norton Internet Security to block unsolicited requests for outbound communication
• Do not accept or open suspicious error dialogs from within the browser
• Spyware may come as part of a “free deal” offer - Do not accept free deals
• Always read carefully the End User License agreement at Install time and cancel if other “programs” are being installed as part of the desired program
• Keep software and security patches up to date

In the field of computing, the term spyware refers to a broad category of malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer’s operation without the informed consent of that machine’s owner or legitimate user. While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the computer’s operation for the benefit of a third party.

In simpler terms, spyware is a type of program that watches what users do with their computer and then sends that information over the internet. Spyware can collect many different types of information about a user. More benign programs can attempt to track what types of websites a user visits and send this information to an advertisement agency. More malicious versions can try to record what a user types to try to intercept passwords or credit card numbers. Yet other versions simply launch popup advertisements.

Аntivirus software consists of computer programs that attempt to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware).

Аntivirus software typically uses two different techniques to accomplish this:

• Examining (scanning) files to look for known viruses matching definitions in a virus dictionary
• Identifying suspicious behavior from any computer program which might indicate infection. Such analysis may include data captures, port monitoring and other methods.

Most commercial antivirus software uses both of these approaches, with an emphasis on the virus dictionary approach.

Historically, the term antivirus has also been used for benign computer viruses that spread and combated malicious viruses.