With Intent to Damage: Hacking, Malware, and Viruses

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All 3 of these activities are illegal according to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Read on to get the facts and know how to prevent being a victim.

Hacking is defined as intentionally accessing a computer without authorization and obtaining information from it. Hackers may try to access and steal personal information from your computer, such as passwords and account numbers, financial information, or significant business information.

To protect your computer from hackers:

• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Look for software that can update automatically on a daily basis.
• Set your computer to download and install security patches automatically. Operating system companies issue security patches for flaws that they find in their systems.
• Don't open any attachments or download files from emails unless you are expecting something. If you send an email with an attached file, include a message explaining what it is.
• Use a firewall to protect your computer from being hacked in to while it is connected to the internet. A firewall is software designed to block hackers from accessing your computer. A firewall is different from anti-virus protection: while anti-virus software scans incoming files for viruses, a firewall helps make you invisible on the internet and blocks anything incoming from unauthorized sources. If you have a broadband connection, it's especially important to run a firewall because the connection is always open. Most common operating system software (including Windows XP and Vista) comes with a built-in firewall, but you may have to enable it.
• Disconnect from the internet when you're away from your computer. While anti-virus and anti-spyware software, along with a firewall, are critical protections when you're connected to the Web, they're not foolproof. Hackers just can't get into your computer when it's disconnected from the internet.
• Download free software only from sites you know and trust. It can be appealing to download free software like games, file-sharing programs, customized toolbars, and the like. But remember that many free software applications contain other software, including spyware.
• Check your "sent items" or "outgoing" mailbox folders for messages you did not intend to send. If you do find unknown messages in your out box, it's a sign that your computer may be infected with spyware. This isn't foolproof: many spammers have learned to hide their unauthorized access.

If your computer has been hacked or infected by a virus, disconnect from the internet right away. Then scan your entire computer with fully updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Report unauthorized accesses to your ISP and to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. If you suspect that any of your passwords have been compromised, call that company immediately to change your password.

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Malware is short for "malicious software;" it includes 1) viruses – programs that copy themselves without your permission – and 2) spyware, programs installed without your consent to monitor or control your computer activity. Criminals create appealing web sites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories to lure you to links that will download malware. Then, they use the malware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud.

Your computer may be infected with malware if it:

• Slows down, malfunctions, or displays repeated error messages.
• Won't shut down or restart.
• Serves up a lot of pop-up ads or displays them when you're not online.
• Opens web pages you didn't go to or sends emails you didn't write.

If you suspect malware is on your computer, stop shopping online and doing any other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other sensitive information. Malware could be sending your personal information to identity thieves.

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Viruses are programs written specifically to change the way a computer works without the knowledge or permission of the owner. These programs are called viruses because of their ability to spread from computer to computer, just like a cold virus spreads from person to person. 

• Viruses can impair and seriously damage your computer by draining memory, deleting files, corrupting programs, and erasing your hard disk. 
• Less destructive viruses can slow down your computer or cause crashes and and loss of data.

To protect yourself, run your anti-virus software regularly and keep it updated so it is armed to defeat any new viruses.

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