Internet Security

I would like to take the time to thank those who has been religiously following my blog. Thank you, Mr Choy...you're probably the only one.

I admit, my posts have been less than fascinating, but please bear with me as I go through this post about internet security, with more thoughts of my own.

I've admittedly been rather intrigued about internet security for some time. There are so many things plaguing the internet - computer viruses, worms, trojan, spyware...people has even tried to steal other people's identities through phishing. Yes, stealing others' identities! The horror.

What's the difference between all those horrible things? Let me attempt to enlighten you, my gentle reader(s):

1) Computer virus: It is a piece of programming code that is secretly introduced into a system in order to corrupt it, or to destroy data. It is able to generate copies of itself, and therefore, spread throughout the computer system. It is very destructive. It spreads by attaching itself to a normal programme file, and will only be executed or propagated when the user takes action.

2) Computer worm: Worms are self-propagating computer viruses. It can replicate itself over a a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer's resources and shutting the system down. Their impact is very similar to comptuer viruses. They can transmit themselves through a network by exploiting security loopholes, as opposed to viruses which needs a "host".

3) Trojan: It is a destructive programme that masquerades as a benign application. Although it cannot replicate itself, it is just as destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan is a programme that claims to rid your computer of viruses, but instead introduces more viruses onto your computer.

4) Phishing: A form of internet fraud that aims to steal valuable information such as credit cards, social security numbers, user IDs, passwords....and many others. It can come in a form of a fake website that tricks you into keying in important information.

Thankfully, just like in real life, there are always the "good guys" to combat the "bad guys" - in this case, the "good guys" are the anti-virus programmes - but be careful, some anti-virus programmes can be a Trojan, so remember to choose only reputable ones to protect your computer!

Sadly, that's not all. Equally vicious cybercriminals, such as hackers, can attempt to hack into your computer. Hacking is known as the unauthorized use, or attempts to circumvent or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network. One such method to gain access to your information, is the use of spyware. Spyware is a software that tracks your actions and/or your internet use. It can capture what you type, including passwords, and send it to the spyware creator.

Therefore, investing in the security of your computer really goes a long way. Why save a bit of money, when you can easily protect your computer (and possibly your life!) with reputable anti-virus programmes, such as AVAST!, Norton anti-virus, and Kaspersky? If you are not sure if a certain anti-virus programme is truly reliable, or is just another Trojan created by a malicious cybercriminal, simply do a search online. It is as simple as that.