Where do computer viruses come from and why are we still at their mercy? Why can’t all the cyber geniuses get things under control?
The open nature of the World Wide Web is probably the most to blame. Web users come from around the world so no single law enforcement agency can police it effectively. Our government’s copyright, slander and confidentiality laws apply to our citizens, but are not easily applied to Internet authors acting outside the U.S. Even within the US, elusive hackers can change their virtual location frequently and remain undercover.
Why would a hacker want to cause trouble if he cannot see the effects of his virus? Computer technician Korey Fonner believes that lonely hackers trying to make trouble have been replaced by rings of individuals using the Internet to leech out their fortunes. “All viruses are financially driven,” says Fonner. A virus can invade a computer for several purposes. Hackers may seek to steal data from the host computer’s files or by tracking keystrokes. They may try to entice a computer user to buy a product, thus obtaining credit card numbers for fraudulent use. Viruses may find a way to utilize the host computer in order to broadcast viral e-mail or to use a vast collection of processing power.
Fonner points out that Web sites are rated according to the number of hits they receive. Corporations greatly benefit from increased Web site traffic, and seek ways to improve it.
If the corporation hires an Internet maximization company that is not completely honest, hackers could be employed to covertly redirect Web browsers. If a hacker can propagate a virus that gets a Web-surfer to unknowingly land on the desired site, the resulting Web traffic could payoff for the hacker, the Internet maximization company and its client.
Fonner believes that “the malware situation is pandemic. As with any pandemic, it needs to be handled not only by inocuation — a current anti-virus program — but also by education. Neither an anti-virus nor being “Web savvy” is enough by itself.”
When starting up a new computer, there is usually a trial anti-virus included. At the end of 30 days, be sure to have a plan in place.
Either purchase that anti-virus or another brand you trust, or install a free anti-virus such as AVG Free or Avast. At installation, set up regular times for updates and scans.
A good anti-virus will constantly scan files for viruses, but it must regularly receive downloads from the corporate site concerning new threats. When those downloads are complete, the computer must scan for the presence of any newly discovered viruses. A computer should have only one anti-virus installed at any one time.
So, as Fonner advises, inoculate and educate. Be aware of the threats and defend against them. Then continue to enjoy the good stuff out there on the World Wide Web.
Patty Harshbarger, the owner of Computer Renaissance in Bradenton, can be reached at patty@cr-bradenton.com.
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