Computer Malware: Yet another essay project

The project for Comp SCI:

Computer malware. Yes, another computer term and another geek dictionary entry to explore. So what is malware anyway? Malware is actually an abbreviation of the term malicious software. It is usually found on the internet, from downloads, freeware programs and browser toolbars. They try to enter computer systems when they could. They display ads that give the authors revenue; they are substandard and tend to detrimentally affect the system’s processes. When you try to uninstall this kind of software, they tend to hide deep into your system. Removing them is exponentially harder than installing them.

On an article by Elinor Mills entitled “Was Twitter, Facebook denial-of-service the result of attack on a single account?” published last August 7, 2009, a case of hijacking was reported to the U.S. based websites. According to the article, a Georgian blogger with the username of Cyxymu could not access his online accounts on Twitter, Facebook, LiveJournal and Google’s Blogger for a whole Tuesday. The hijacker sent emails to the victim’s contacts indicating that he gained access to the accounts. Investigators believed that computer malware was responsible for the hijacking. Several hundred thousands of computers had the malware installed and at a specific time, the malware triggered their computers to send requests to access the victim’s site thus overwhelming the servers.

This article shows how a malware could affect a system. It could be with a user’s computer without them knowing. It enters without permission and it dares to stay.

The article above also shows the destructive capabilities of a malware. It shows how could they affect just about everyone and the way they enter (bundled through other things) shows how vulnerable everyone is.

I am glad to know that many of the sites like Facebook and Google still had effectively minimized the effects of the malware but sad to know the other sites had to suffer.

I believe in malware. I believe in its potential to create a better cyberspace.
Malware could be used to destroy unwanted websites. It could be used to distribute ads on a very good cause like helping African children have access to safe drinking water. I approve of malware as a mean, it is the reason behind I despise.
Malware is malicious. That’s a given. It installs on computers of helpless people for benefit of the ruthless.

Even malware has its unofficial classifications. We have the adware which is the type of malware that intends to cover up your screen with large amount of advertisements; pop-ups, pop-unders, ads in programs etc. They’re all in there.

The second type is the spyware. The name gives it all away. Just imagine it as a person looking behind your back. The sites you visit, your e-mail account, your credit card info etc. This malware lists them all and eventually sends them to the author where he could use it for his self-gratifying means of existence.

Another type is the hijacker. They take control over the user. they go to sites you don’t want to visit, they send request to servers and/or prevent you from sites that combat malware. Our school’s blocking “feature” is annoying and could be mistaken as the worst hijacker there is, but guess what, its not malware. Amazing, right?

Toolbars. This is the most common malware of all. Maybe you have one or two installed to your browser right now. Your Yahoo! and Google toolbars are legitimate, they really are. The malware toolbars are the ones that override your default setting without asking and often shows ads.

The last type is the dialers. They are the worst type and you have to thank God for this, its uncommon in the Philippines! Rare is the instance where global illegal fad doesn’t invade our 7,107 islands! The dialers secretly ring the 1-900 numbers which could charge up your phone bill to heaven. The authors get revenues for their software’s dirty work.

Those are too many types of malwares to choose from I know.

Now in the modern days, where Darwin’s Theory of Evolution works its magic, people get smarter and tend to have solutions to big problems like this one which threatens the multi-gazillion web industry. Nowadays, antivirus companies are gaining interest in protecting their high-paying clients from malware. Just be reminded, malwares are harder to detect than other types of computer demons. They’re good at hiding.
I look forward to a day where malwares, viruses and other cyber-deviations are taught in History classes only. It would be good using flash drivers without having to scan them for hours and being able to surf the net with security and privacy. *