Here are some of the terms you’ll often see related to some of the nasty programs floating around the Internet.
Backdoor
Backdoors are software programs that allow attackers remote access to infected machines across the Internet or a local network.
Botnet
A bot, sometimes referred to as zombie, is a computer that has been infected with malware that allows a remote malicious user access to the computer. With that remote access, the malicious user can control and harness the power of all such bot computers into a powerful network, known as botnets, used for criminal activity. Botnets have been used for sending spam, installing more malware without consent, implementing phishing attacks, and other illicit purposes.
Exploit
A procedure or tool (including software programs) created to take advantage of a vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to a system.
Keylogger
A key logger is a type of surveillance software that has the capability to record every keystroke to a log file (usually encrypted). A key logger can record passwords, account numbers, web sites visited, instant messages, emails, or any other information typed using the keyboard.The log files are sometimes stored locally and other times are sent to a remote server for review by the attacker.
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, is a common name for all kinds of unwanted software such as viruses, worms, trojans and spyware.
Remote Access Trojan
Remote access trojans (RATs) are malicious software programs that criminals can use to control your computer through your Internet connection. A RAT can let a criminal view and change your computer’s files and functions, monitor and record your activities, and use your computer to attack other computers without your knowledge.
Rootkit
Rootkits are software that allow attackers to hide their presence or the presence of their software from the computer operating system and computer users. Rootkits are programs that run at a “lower” level than the user can see with normal software utilities. Malware attempts to use this method to avoid detection by security software.
Spyware
Spyware is software that performs actions such as creating unsolicited pop-ups, hijacking home or search pages, or redirecting browsing results to a site of the attackers choosing.
Trojan
A trojan or trojan horse is a software application that appears to have a useful purpose, but actually does something else. A trojan may install spyware, a rootkit, or a remote access tool, for example, even though its supposed to be a cool media player.
Virus
A virus is a computer program that spreads by attaching itself to another object and/or program and is executed without the permission or knowledge of the user. The name is commonly used as a catchall to refer to other malware like worms and trojans. Viruses require human interaction with the system (to execute a program or move a file from system to system) to spread.
Vulnerability
A weakness in a computing system that can result in harm to the system or its operations, especially when this weakness is exploited by a hostile person or organization. Most often, a vulnerability refers to a bug in a software program that allows an attacker to bypass controls built in the the system to do something they shouldn’t be able to do (e.g. gain unauthorized access, crash the system, get administrative privileges). The term can also refer to other weaknesses such as easy-to-guess passwords or lack of encryption, for example.
Worm
A worm is a computer program that replicates independently by sending itself to other systems. Worms are self-propagating and do not require human interaction to move from system to system. The term “worm” sometimes is also used to refer to malware that propagates via email but requires human interaction to be executed.
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