These terms show up often, especially during the
holidays when more people than ever are cruising the web for
bargains. Here are a few descriptions to help you understand the
lingo.
Adware is typically an application that shows users an
excessive amount of advertising in return for providing a service of
little value. There is a grey area from most anti-virus companies as
to how to handle adware, because so many applications have begun to
show ads.
Malware generally is an all-encompassing term used to
describe any harmful program. This includes spyware, viruses, and
phishing scams.
Phishing and spyware are closely related. They work by
tricking users and sending user information to a third party. A
phishing application or website will pretend to be from a trusted
source to try and trick a person into entering personal information.
Spyware tries to hide itself from users. It is an application
that reads user information and data without the user actually
knowing it - and reporting it back to a third party. This includes
keystroke loggers to steal passwords or credit card information.
A trojan horse is a specific type of virus. The app pretends
to be something useful, or helpful, or fun while causing harm or
stealing data. This term is often used to describe spyware and
phishing attacks as well.
The term virus term has mostly been replaced by malware,
although there is a subtle difference. Virus typically takes control
of the operating system and either damages it, or uses it for its
own purposes. An example might be sending emails to everyone in the
email address book.
Warez typically refers to pirated or unlicensed software. The
files are stolen from the real developers.
Bottom line - Adware is aggravating, but not usually harmful.
Phishing and trojan horses wear masks and steal data, while spyware
hides itself and steals data. Malware is the new
all-encompassing term, except for Warez. Malware aggravates or
steals from us while Warez steals from developers.