Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are types of malicious software. A virus attaches itself to a host program and replicates, a worm spreads through network security holes, and a Trojan horse conceals malicious code behind a benign program. Trojan horses can steal passwords and files, launch denial of service attacks, and more. Users can get infected through network holes, downloads, or email attachments. Antivirus software from vendors like Trend Micro, McAfee, and Norton can help protect computers from these threats.

1. Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses By: Laurie Madison

2. “Computer Gremlin 2” by Larry Wentzel
Definition:
A virus is a piece of self-
replicating code embedded
within another program
called the host.
2
How does my computer
catch a virus?

4. Definition:
A Trojan horse is a program
with a benign capability
that conceals another,
sinister purpose.
How does my computer get a
Trojan horse?

5. What kind of malicious tasks
will a Trojan horse do?
Some examples of malicious tasks Trojan horse
programs have done are:
 opening an Internet connection that allows an
outsider to gain access to files
 logging the keystrokes of the user and storing
them in a file that the attacker can see
 looking for passwords stored on the computer
and emailing them to the attacker
 destroying files
 launching a denial-of-service attack on a
website
 turning the computer into a proxy server that
can be used to launch spam or stash
information from illegal activities.

6. How does my computer get
a worm?Definition:
A worm is a self-contained
program that spreads through
a computer network by
exploiting security holes in the
computers connected to the
network. Oh no, a Worm Hole!

7. • Infiltrate networks spreading all by
itself through holes in your operating
system security.
• Use up your bandwidth
• Slow computer processing down
• Open a “back door” to infiltrate your
computer
• Can cause denial-of-service attacks
interrupting web services
• Deleting subscribers from Web hosts
• May be used to control your
computer or steal information

8. There’s an overwhelming
list of products available.
• Trend Micro
• McAfee
• Norton
• Bitfender
• And on and on…

9. References
• Quinn, M. (2011). Ethics for the information age (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson
Education, Inc.
• Wentzel, L. Computer Gremlin 2. Retrieved from
http://phodyr.deviantart.com/art/Computer-Gremlin-2-323640570
Thank you!
Microsoft Office Clip Art,
audiomicro.com/free-sound-effects, and
pixabay.com for the free audio and clip art