I gave this presentation at a healthcare conference to discuss some basics about viruses

1. Viruses and Internet
Security:
An Introduction
Alex Colcord

2. What is a virus?
 A program designed to penetrate a computing
device and alter it in some way
 Two types of behavior:
– Benign
– Hostile
 Two general conditions of activity:
– “In the Wild”
– “In Captivity”

3. What’s the Problem?
 Potential virus characteristics:
– Invasive
– Discreet
– Contagious
 Potential virus effects:
– Corruption of data
– Destruction of data
– Loss of personal privacy

4. Virus Origins
 Before viruses and hacks…
 PC Era – software and floppy disks
 Internet Era – Connectivity and Email
 Viruses – they go where we go

5. Basic Types of Viruses
 Trojan Horse
 Logic Bomb
 Macro
 Email Attachment
 Polymorphic
 Worm
 Hoax

6. Defense Options
 Antivirus apps
 Filter/Firewalls
 Human Behavior

7. Antivirus Apps – Pro
 Inexpensive
 Proven technology
 Easy to install and use
 Powerful detection capabilities
– Auto-scanning
– Virus definition files
– Heuristic pattern searching

8. Antivirus Apps -- Con
 Need to constantly update virus definitions
 Harder to detect new viruses
 Virus checks can affect performance

9. Filters/Firewalls -- Pro
 Provides some protection on the Internet
 Operates without affecting performance

10. Filters/Firewalls -- Con
 Wide variation in Cost
 Wide variation in capability
 Not specifically designed for antivirus duty
 May keep out desired resources

11. Human Behavior -- Pro
 Filter email attachments
 Control access to computers
 Be cautious of floppies, CDs, other media
 Monitor browser cookies
 Learn to detect spyware
 Change passwords regularly
 Update virus programs regularly

12. Human Behavior -- Con
 We’re human!
– Forgetting or losing passwords
– Not configuring software properly
– Not checking disks, attachments, etc.
– Not updating virus programs

13. FAQ
 How do I update my virus definitions?
 Can I get a virus just reading my email?
 What is a virus hoax?
 My computer has an antivirus program pre-
installed; will it protect me?
 I’m on an LAN network or VPN network, am I
protected?
 I received a virus warning in my email, should I
send it to everyone I know?
 Why do people create viruses?