The Worst Computer Viruses -Part I

As more computer users become wise to viruses, the criminals behind them are often a few steps ahead. Some malware infects your computer without you ever realizing it and then can truly mess up your life. Others arrive as a result of user mistakes, then do their dirty work undetected. We've got the scoop on 12 of the most devious and crafty viruses currently out there, including information on how they can harm you and tips on how to protect yourself against them. Here are a few:

The Storm Worm
This virus is one of the nastiest and most prolific out there. It's a backdoor Trojan - malicious software disguised as a harmless program - that is spread to PCs via fake news and holiday greeting card e-mails. Once infected, your computer becomes part of a botnet, a network of computers running and spreading the malware at an alarmingly fast rate -- so essentially your computer not only slows down, but also serves as a perpetrator of the crime. How to protect yourself? Don't open any files in e-mails from people you don't know, turn on your e-mail program's spam prevention tool, and make sure your virus protection software is up-to-date.

Mal/Hupig-D
Mal/Hupig-D runs in the background of Windows and steals your passwords, credit card information, and the like. Virus scanners look for it now, but rely on your common sense first and don't click on suspicious e-mails. If you're worried that your computer might be infected with it, don't enter your passwords or credit card information until you get it looked at by a computer professional.

OSX/Hovdy-A
Sorry, Mac users, but you're in danger too. This Trojan affects computers using Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5, and lets the bad guys use your Apple Remote Desktop agent for a host of disturbing activities. The virus can be used to monitor your keystrokes, transmit passwords, turn on file sharing, take screenshots, and, creepiest of all, take pictures with the built-in iSight camera -- all unbeknownst to you! It's spread through downloads that you have to agree to, so if you stay sharp, avoid sketchy utilities, and keep your anti-virus protection current, you'll be fine.

The Facebook Trojan, aka Troj/Dloadr-BPL
Facebook users have probably seen it happen - a friend posts a link to a Web site on other people's walls, urging them to see a funny video or find out who has a crush on them. Just as with spam e-mails, the link takes you to a bogus site that tells you to download a newer version of Flash, which turns out to be Troj/Dloadr-BPL. This virus then lets hackers take over your computer to spread spam and malware. Basically, criminals are using Facebook because they think users are more likely to visit a link if a friend tells them to. The solution? Don't click it, or better yet, stop using those annoying Facebook Wall programs anyway. Be particularly wary of videos posted by people who don't usually send videos (at least to you).

Zlob
Beginning in 2005, the Zlob Trojan has been infecting computers by convincing users they need to download a codec to view a spam or porn video. The Trojan then reroutes your Internet traffic through a hacker's server. The end result is a computer that shuts down randomly and reboots with confusing text messages. The newest variation of Zlob actually works on your Wi-Fi router by running through a list of default username and password combos, which many users never bother to change. In addition to the usual anti-virus and trusted downloading advice, this time make sure to change your router's security settings and passwords on a regular basis. It's that easy.

Mebroot
Starting around the last new year, the Mebroot virus began infiltrating computers' master boot records, the part of the hard drive that loads the operating system, by installing itself from untrusted Web sites. The virus installs keyloggers that are triggered when the infected computer is used to visit any of 900 financial sites, stealing usernames and passwords any time they're typed (and thus eventually stealing your money or identity). Unfortunately, his rootkit hides from most virus protection software, but you can visit GMER to get software that scans and deletes this menace.

As you are reading this, there are hackers and viruses infecting computers and stealing data. Don't let this happen to you. Your data and the data of your customers is valuable and should never fall into the wrong hands.
If you suspect that any of your office computers may be infected, call WebAddo at 770-217-7350 as soon as possible for a Technology Appraisal.