Introduction to Information Security

Danger level: High

Prevalence: High

Worst case damage:

Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information:

• Websites visited;
• Credit card details;
• Usernames or passwords;
• Install other malware;
• Redirect web browsers to malicious websites; or
• Divert advertising revenue to a third party or change computer settings (often leading to degraded or unstable system performance, slow connection speeds or different home pages).

Most Common Computer Security Threats (Keylogging)

KEYSTROKE LOGGING (KEYLOGGING)

• A keylogger is a software program that is installed on a computer, often by a Trojan horse or virus.
• Keyloggers capture and record user keystrokes.
• The data captured is then transmitted to a remote computer.

Danger level: High

Prevalence: High

 

• Worst case damage:
• While keyloggers will not damage your computer system per se, because they can capture passwords, credit card numbers and other sensitive data, they should be regarded as a serious threat.

Most Common Computer Security Threats (Adware)

Threat #6: Adware

• Adware is software which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer.
• The adware runs either after a software program has been installed on a computer or while the application is being used.
• In some cases, adware is accepted by users in exchange for using software free-of-charge.
• Not all adware is innocuous, however, some types of adware are also spyware and therefore a threat to privacy.

Danger level: Low

Prevalence: High

• Worst case damage:
• Adware is relatively harmless unless it is spyware (see spyware). It can, however, cause degradation in system performance.