Have you ever wondered what all that
'tech jargon' your kids use means? If so, you're not alone. In the
interest of 'decoding' some of it, here are a few terms that any
regular internet user should know. You probably already know the
definitions of some or all of these terms. However, some of us hear
them thrown around so much that we get confused about what they mean
and what they don't mean.
Malware-This term describes a
wide variety of software programs that can damage your computer. This
'umbrella term' applies to things called spyware, adware,
porn servers, worms and trojans. Malware often
gets onto your computer by attaching itself to otherwise-innocuous
websites, email attachments or software programs. If you subscribe to
'free' online services or download 'free' demos and browser plugins,
you may be opening yourself up to these sorts of programs and not
realize it; particularly, some of the vendors that offer software
such as 'free' video-game demos, subscriptions or MP3 files will add
third-party software to advertise their business partners on the
'back' of the product you're actually downloading. If you look
closely at the End-User License Agreement (EULA) that comes along
with many programs, it will tell you that the vendor is going to
install these sorts of software on your computer. They are counting
on the fact that most people either briefly scan the EULAs or don't
look at them at all, giving permission for things to be installed on
your computer that you wouldn't otherwise.
It also happens through media
file-sharing programs such as Napster, some of which aren't legal to
begin with. Once the malware starts working, special software is
often required to remove it.
Frankly, some people with nothing
better to do will create programs like this to screw with the
computers of random people (or people they don't like) just for
'harmless fun'. I'm all for 'harmless fun' but, in my book, this is
anything but harmless.
Spyware-An extremely destructive
form of malware that steals information based on your internet
activities. I'm not just talking about stealing email passwords and
sending porn to everyone in your address book, although that is one
function of spyware. I'm talking about stealing PIN numbers, Social
Security numbers and other information that can be used to steal your
identity and make your life completely miserable. One way they do
this is by 'keystroke logging', basically recording a person's
keystrokes to string together what a person types. Another common
method is 'phishing', which I describe below.
Phishing-An attempt to steal a
user's password and other personal information by directing them to
an imitation of a reputable website or through fraudulent emails. One
common example is an email from your bank saying there's a problem
with your account and that they need your password or need you to
click on a link to a 'fake' website. Requests for passwords in an
email should NEVER be honored. This problem is so pervasive that many
companies have had to post instructions on their websites about what
to do if you receive certain emails. This is really sad, but there
you have it.
They've also had to step up their
website security to include 'security questions' or 'site key' images
or other 'doors' to go through before getting to the information
you're looking for. Those multiple-stage sign-ins required by your
bank or credit card websites might seem annoying, but they are there
to make sure it is you
trying to access them and not someone who stole your password through
an email or attachment.
While it's not a pleasant subject,
anyone who uses the internet regularly needs to know about some of
the 'dangers' that lurk in the shadows. Happy 'surfing'!
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