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Active X object

A control using ActiveX technologies. An ActiveX control can be automatically downloaded and executed by a Web browser. Active X is not a programming language, but rather a set of rules for how applications should share information.

adware

Adware- adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. adware can be pop-up windows or toolbars. Usually, adware includes code that tracks a user's personal information without their consent or knowledge and passes it along to third parties.

alias

Alias-alternate name for a piece of malware. Different vendors use different names for the same infections.

antivirus killer

Antivirus killer-A malware program which disables or deletes antivirus or antispyware applications.

attackware

Attackware-Software that damages other software intentionally, whether just to disable the victim, uninstall the software, or attempt to forcefully uninstall the software.

babysitting

Babysitting-When a process or service monitors another process or service. If that process or service is killed, the babysitting process or service immediately starts it up again. This is a common method malware uses to resist removal.

backdoor

Backdoor-A program that secretly allows access to a computer via a network or internet connection.

BHO

BHO-(Browser Helper Object) A "Browser Helper Object" is a DLL that allows developers to customize and control Internet Explorer. A BHO can give developers almost complete control over Internet Explorer.

A lot of spyware and BHOs are written quickly and poorly. This can cause anything from incompatibility issues to corrupting important system functions making them not only a threat to your security but to your systems stability.

botnet

Botnet-Also called a "zombie army," a botnet is a large number of compromised computers that are used to create and send spam or viruses or flood a network with messages as a denial of service attack. The computer is compromised via a Trojan that often works by opening an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channel that waits for commands from the person in control of the botnet. There is a thriving botnet business selling lists of compromised computers to hackers and spammers.

cabinet file

Cabinet File- Cab files are a file format Microsoft uses for compressing and grouping files. A common installation method exploited by malware, usually via an ActiveX object.

crack sites

Crack Sites-Sites where teenagers go to pick up cheat codes which allows them to try to obtain paid software for free. These sites are targeted heavily by spyware and virus writers.

crippleware

Crippleware-refers to any software product whose functions have been limited with the express purpose of requiring the user to pay for said functions (either paying a one-time fee or continually paying a service).

critical files

Critical Files-Files which are critical to the OS, and which are protected by Windows XP.

denial-of-service attack

Denial-of-service Attack-DoS attacks make a computer's resources unavailable to the user. DoS attacks force the victim's computer to reset and consume its resources (so much so the user's computer cannot function properly). DoS attacks can also obstruct communcation media like instant messaging or email. DoS attacks are a serious computer crime.

dialer

Dialer-A program that uses your computer to dial a number. Dialers often connect to toll calls or overseas numbers (usually without the users permission).

distributed-denial-of-service attack

DDOS-Distributed denial of service attack. Uses multiple machines to attack a single target. Much more effective than a DOS.

Driveby

A download which is installed (or attempts to be installed) without the users explicit request. Often in the form of an ActiveX control.

EULA

End User License Agreement

false negative

False Negative-When a file is not identified as being infected when it in fact is.

false positive

False Positive-When a file is identified as being infected with something but is not. Often due to heuristic scanning.

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