Viruses: A virus is a self replicating file capable of infiltrating a computer system by, for example, latching onto legitimate files such as E-mails, and then performing unauthorised actions such as corrupting or removing files. These can be dealt with by the use of Anti-Virus software, which acts to detect and remove any viruses picked up by the system. It is recommended that you run 2 different variants of it as it cannot scan itself, so using 2 allows for the entire system to be scanned
Malware: Malware (or malicious software) is software that appears to benefit the user during installation, but then proceeds to wreak havoc on the system once it is installed, bye editing, deleting, copying personnel details and sending them to the creator of the malware This can be dealt with by the use of Antimalware software; which acts to detect and remove it once it enters a system. To further decrease the risks of all of these the system should only run trusted programs and be extensively cautious when opening downloaded files or email.
Phishing: Phishing (AKA 419 Scams) are attempts to gain someone’s personnel information, typically credit card or other financial information, through the use of Email systems. this works by appearing to be from a bank or other organisation, and can include things like selling drugs, clothes, and other products (or even the offer of several million pounds in exchanged for a 'release fee') the natural problems is that these are scams which will not pay out what the promise to. The only real way to prevent these from affecting you is to educate those involved not to fall for such scams, as banks will never request your information through an email.
Cyber bullying: Cyber bullying is when anyone who uses a computer sends abusive media to another user, such as threatening text messages or emails, or violent videos. this can be dealt with by implementing policies which clearly state it is not permitted to use the computers for that purpose, and who to contact should you be the victim of such an attack.
Denial of Service: Denial of Service is where an attack on a server of some sort is used to render a system inoperable. These attacks are difficult to prevent as you cannot predict when it will happen to your system. Typically this involves using several systems to send data to a website and thus overload the server causing it to crash. Measures such as firewalls can prevent Denial of service attacks from even reaching a server.
