...Executive Summary on the effects of computer Virus and Malicious software Introduction This paper is intended to outline the effects of computer viruses and malicious software. The paper will start by describing what a virus is and what malicious software is. it will then outline some of the common types of viruses and malicious software; the effects both threats could potentially have on ABC’s computer networks and finally suggest ways in which ABC estate agency may protect itself from such threats. Definitions Malicious software often referred to as Malware is as its name implies malicious software that is intended to cause some type of damage or do some unwanted action to a computer system often without the user’s knowledge or consent. Some types of malware are disguised as honest piece of software which does what it is intended to do, however malicious code has been embedded which tracks a user’s activity for marketing purposes A virus is a type of malicious software. A virus is a computer program capable of attaching itself to hard disks or other files and replicating itself repeatedly, typically without the user’s knowledge or permission (Stair, Reynolds and Chesney 2012). The virus often hides itself in memory or attaches itself to another program waiting to be executed. Once executed it performs some type of harmful action on the infected system, such as freezing up the CPU, eating up disk space, accessing personal information, corrupting important files and data...
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...Operating System Comparisons PRG/355 January 14, 2013 Steven Kernan Operating System Comparisons Table of Contents Introduction 3 Memory Management 3 File Management 4 Security 4 Conclusion 4 Reference 5 Introduction An operating system (OS) is software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer system. Basically an OS is a set of libraries or functions which programs may use to perform specific tasks relating to interfacing with computer system components (The Computer Technology Documentation Project, n.d.). Advantages and disadvantages exist in every operating system. Reviewed in this paper is a comparison of some of the primary responsibilities of popular operating systems. The review includes Unix/Linux, Mac, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. Memory Management An important function of the OS is to manage the computer systems memory. Programs, processes, and resource do not simply float around in memory haphazardly. Memory is shared among these processes and resources. Accordingly, managed by the OS is an organized structure of locating processes in computer memory locations. The two primary types of memory controlled by an OS are main memory and virtual memory. Main memory is… (need general definition). Virtual (secondary) memory is… (need general definition). Intended memory management requirements include relocation, protection, sharing, logical organization, and physical organization. Processes may...
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...caused by any of these crimes at least once, as almost everyone these days has access to the computer and the internet. (Shahid, 2011) Crime has existed as long as humans and will only become extinct with us because offending and violating laws is defined as crime, and laws are created by man. No one can deny that technology has elevated crime rates and has even given birth to a variety of new crimes. Cell phones, email and instant messaging have facilitated the criminals into “doing their job” by lessening their communication gap to only seconds. Criminal masterminds from different countries no longer have to sit in the same conference room and plot, with the fear of any law enforcement agency locating their secret meeting place. All they have to do is either talk to each other on their cell phones using conference calling and send and receive written and graphical information on the same device, or simply send an email. This is one of the major reasons why crimes such as car theft, robbery, stalking and terrorism have mounted, according to a statistical report by police departments from England, USA and Australia. (http://theessayblog.wordpress.com/2009/05/20/technology-does-more-to-increase-crime/) Types of crime that traditionally have been non-digital in nature are now best abetted by Internet activity. Many traditional crimes are now being aided or abetted through the use of computers and networks, and wrongdoing...
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...Security Table of Contents Introduction 3 Why Protection 4 Computer Virus 4 How Viruses Infect Computer 5 How People Hack Computer Systems 6 How to Keep Computers Safe from Online Predators 7 Conclusion 10 REFERENCES 11 Introduction The role of computer systems is very vital in our daily lives. Since computers help us to deal with approximately all the major functions of our lives as well as are so inevitable that spending even a day or two away from the computer can leave us feeling powerless. In this prospect, many people control their routine lives by means of their personal computers. However, at the present computer security has become a very critical issue. Additionally, security refers to the technique to discover as well as stop illicit utilization of our secret information or computer. In this scenario, some preventive measures enable us to stop criminal users (as well known as "intruders") from accessing and using some part of our computer system. In addition, recognition of such intrusions helps us in deciding whether or not somebody tried to gain access into our computer system, if they were successful in their attempt, as well as what they could have acquired from the system (ComputerSecurityService, 2011), (Armor2net Software Ltd., 2004) and (Norton, 2001). In addition, the term “computer security” is very commonly used, though; the information and data saved on a computer are in danger to few risks...
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...Introduction David S. Wall, author of Cybercrime: The Transformation of Crime in the Information Age, once said, “In a nutshell, we are shocked by cybercrime, but also expect to be shocked by it because we expect it to be there, but – confusingly – we appear to be shocked if we are not shocked (if we don’t find it)!” In today’s society, cybercrimes are considered a greater threat than ever. Computer crime can be defined as a crime that is committed where the computer or electronic data device is integral to the criminal act (Kranacher, Riley, and Wells 114). Although many do not believe that they can cause any vital damage, cybercrimes such as wiretapping, piggybacking, and computer viruses can have significant repercussions on various organizations. By identifying the type of cybercrime, discussing how organizations can protect themselves from it, and multiple real-life examples, an insightful analysis of the implications of cybercrime can be better understood. Wiretapping Wiretapping has become a very common way of committing computer fraud. This occurs when perpetrators read information being transmitted between an organization’s computers. In order to decrease this, companies can implement various encryption techniques to help ensure that confidential information does not reach the hands of a person who can use it with malicious intent (Kranacher, Riley, and Wells 120-21). This information that is obtained could be pertaining to an organization’s consumers, employees...
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...Justin Debuse in Introduction to ICT, BUS108, looks at ICT architecture and security in an organisation. This report found that the major security threats within an organisation’s ICT are; Cracking into an organisation’s wireless intranet in search for vital corporate information; Former employees accessing wireless intranets and extranets without authorization; Information sent via an extranet could be intercepted in its transit; Viruses and Trojans accidentally downloaded by employees and been spread around the LAN. Solutions to these threats are; WiFi protected access (WPA) password and hide the network; ICTs should be protected with a login screen for the users; To secure an extranet, organisations should use a virtual private network (VPN); Any organisation should provide basic training in how to detect viruses and Trojans. This is a proactive way to prevent an infection in a whole organisation’s LAN. This report also found that the major legal and ethical issues within an organisation’s ICT are; Employee monitored by computer technology and in the building; Privacy on e-mail stored on an organisation’s computer; Illegal and offensive use of an organisation’s computer. Solutions to these issues are; the organisations have to inform their employees about the monitoring and the non-privacy on their work e-mail. The organisations are legally allowed to monitor and read the employees e-mails. To overcome illegal and offensive activities on a organisation’s computer, the organisation...
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...adoption of the personal computer has changed the way we live. Every day personal computers (PCs) become more and more mainstream, performing various functions in our business, personal and recreational environments. They have automated many of the menial tasks of business, such as accounting, payroll, filing, record keeping, etc. This increased use of technology has caught the attention of the criminal element. The computer has become both target and tool to a new breed of cyber-criminal. Computers are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life. They also provide new opportunities for criminal enterprise. The computer provides both new types of crime, and new ways of perpetrating traditional crimes. Computer crime investigation differs from more traditional crime investigation in several critical ways and will require law enforcement agencies to adopt new policies and practices. This paper documents the increasing rate of computer-based crime, points out several critical areas where it differs from more traditional crimes, and outlines some new problems and issues which law enforcement must address to combat computer crime. Finally, this paper suggests a plan of action suitable for many law enforcement agencies to prepare for dealing with computer based crime.The Birth of "hacking" Early use of the term "hacker" was applied to computer hobbyists who spent their spare time creating video games and other basic computer programs. However, this...
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...analyses the spread of viruses and defines certain measures that computer users may take into account to avoid viruses. Overall ,it was learnt from the report that it is important to keep us updated about computer viruses to be able to successfully safeguard us from computer virus attacks Introduction to Computer Virus: Viruses are mischievous programs, the purpose of which is to disrupt the sensible use of computers. It is a type of a mal-ware and do little more than display a message( Usually insulting!!!) on the screen , but some are designed to act after a certain period of time and do such things as make the letters start to drop off the screen or even erase the entire contents of your hard disk. As their name suggests, viruses are able to spread by infecting other disks and they do this by copying themselves onto other disks which are being used by the computer. Viruses are little programs or scripts that can create files, move files, erase files, consume your computer's memory, and cause your computer not to function correctly or to crash completely. Some viruses can duplicate themselves, attach themselves to programs, and travel across networks. They can self-modify or change over time as they copy themselves. Viruses only spread across multiple computers if an uninfected computer is connected to a network, or if the computer gets connected to infected media such as a USB drive or a CD. Although there are many viruses, the main problems...
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...Classification Description: Malicious Code and Activity Task Base on the premise that there is a mix of computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X, you must research and devise a plan to thwart malicious code and activity by implementing countermeasures and prevention techniques for dealing with viruses, worms, logic bombs, Trojan horses, and other related forms of intentionally created deviant code. Introduction Malicious software is written with the intent to damage or infect the system of Richman Investment. Malicious code or software is a threat to any internet-connected device or computer. The main goal of the attack is to affect one of the three information security properties which are Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality is affected if the malicious software is successful at disclosing private information. Integrity is compromised if the malware can modify database records either immediately or over a period of time. Availability is affected if malware can erase or overwrite files or inflict considerable damage to storage media. SSCP® Domain Affected Malicious Code and Activity This domain examines the types of Malicious Code and Activities that can threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of a system or information. The SSCP is expected to be familiar with the various types of Malicious Code and know how to implement effective countermeasures to prevent malicious...
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...An Overview of Computer Viruses in a Research Environment Matt Bishop Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755 ABSTRACT The threat of attack by computer viruses is in reality a very small part of a much more general threat, specifically attacks aimed at subverting computer security. This paper examines computer viruses as malicious logic in a research and development environment, relates them to various models of security and integrity, and examines current research techniques aimed at controlling the threats viruses in particular, and malicious logic in general, pose to computer systems. Finally, a brief examination of the vulnerabilities of research and development systems that malicious logic and computer viruses may exploit is undertaken. 1. Introduction A computer virus is a sequence of instructions that copies itself into other programs in such a way that executing the program also executes that sequence of instructions. Rarely has something seemingly so esoteric captured the imagination of so many people; magazines from Business Week to the New England Journal of Medicine [39][48][60][72][135], books [20][22][31][40][50][67][83][90][108][124], and newspaper articles [85][91][92][94][114][128] have discussed viruses, applying the name to various types of malicious programs. As a result, the term “computer virus” is often misunderstood. Worse, many who do understand it do not understand protection in computer systems, for example...
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...Consultant Subject: Updating your computer security systems to protect sensitive client documents. Dear Mr. Kaku: Introduction Of the 200 working computer systems in your Flagstaff facility reveals a dire need of security updates. By initiating the security updates, sensitive financial documents belonging to your clients will be safeguarded. This would include your global clients in Kuwait, Norway, Qatar, and Singapore. This upgrade should be completed no later than August 10, 2009, so that the updates can prevent any viruses and such from breaching Cyberdine’s global computer network. I am pleased to submit the following proposal, outlining a plan to use a cost effective measure to protect all vital computer systems of Cyberdine. Background, problem, purpose Currently large and small business computer systems are managing a lot of data. This could be in the form of shipping invoices, payroll, accounting, and personal records. Most of these businesses have in one form or another, security software which protects most of the data. Due to an increasing trend of hacked accounts, boot viruses, program viruses, macro viruses, and active x viruses, most businesses update their security software on a daily basis. It is with utmost importance that Cyberdine Systems Inc. has the very same anti-virus software that most large companies possess already. By implementing the anti-virus software to all of Cyberdine’s global network computer systems, all of the sensitive client...
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...Potential Benefit and implications of the software to the college Introduction: In this document I will be explaining the potential benefits and the implications of the software to the college. When the college installs a new piece of software there will be a lot of advantages and disadvantages once the piece of software is installed. The software that has been installed on to the computer in the college will be enabling the college students and the staff to do things that they may not have been able to do or not been able to do as well. But despite the advantage of the software product there are also some disadvantages associated with it. Benefits Additional Functionality When the college installs a new piece of software the college will be open to a variety of tools which have been available by the software product itself. The product has various tools to allow the students and staff to meet a certain criteria to meet a specified standard. The Additional feature of the software product is that the college will be open more tools than they were open to before so they have addition functionality as there are more tools made available to the college. For example if the college has installed Microsoft Office and they use Word they have various tools that they can use to produce a piece of work such as WordArt, Fonts, Text size, and many more tools are made available to the college. They may be open to specialist tools such as Mail Merge which will allow the staff at...
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...Abstract— Computer viruses are widely recognized as a significant computer threat. The “birth rate” of new viruses is high and increasing due to global connectivity, and technology improvements can accelerate their spread. In response to this threat, some contemporary research efforts are aimed at creating computer virus immune systems. This paper analyses the computer viruses and attacks and also some countermeasures to prevent them. In particular, we discuss Intrusion Detection and Prevention techniques for handling web based attacks and to patch up different kinds of vulnerabilities in computer system. I. INTRODUCTION Web based system makes the next way of computing. Global prosperity and even faster pace of business are driving the desire for employees, partners and customers to able to communicate from different location in this world. With this phenomenal growth of computing devices, the threat of viruses is likewise growing. New platforms such as MAC OS of Apple and Microsoft Windows are highly attractive targets to virus and Trojan writers. As technology in the world of networking industries advances, virus writers have plenty of room for growth. Worse thing is security measures such as firewalls and virus scanners i.e. antivirus softwares are not widely used. The future may be even worse. With distributed programming platforms such as .NET, combine with Microsoft’s Windows platform the potential for viruses is even greater. II. OVERVIEW OF THREATS AND POTENTIAL...
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...Assignment 1: Computer Memory Hacking Albert Pigg| |Mr. De Monte’ Thomason| |CIS106| |05/09/16| Assignment 1: Computer Memory Hacking Hacking of Memory When it comes to the term “hacking” essentially the “hackers” are usually categorized in two categories, “white-hat” and “black-hat.” White-hat refers to the hacker affiliating themselves with light and justice. Black-hat refers to the hacker affiliating themselves with the darker side of the net and with malicious intent. What is “hacking”? Essentially it is accessing, altering, or such manipulation of data while circumventing preventative measures. There is however numerous preventative measures corporations, governments and other private institutions take to secure their data. (Harvey, 1985) Common Tools of a Hacker “To catch a thief, it takes a thief.” We’ve all heard it sometime in life likely. To first take the steps of understanding how to prevent hacking, we must familiarize ourselves with some of their tools. DDOS and DOS Attacks Denial of service attacks are a frequent occurrence on the internet. Often referred to as “DOS attacks”. DOS attacks are initiated by hackers sending packets, or bits of data, very repetitively to the victim’s computer until it is unable to communicate any other packets. (PBS, 2001) One such attack was executed against some big United States companies. On February 8th 2000, “MafiaBoy” or Michael Calce attacked sites such as Yahoo!, CNN, eBay, and E-Trade, with repeated DOS attacks...
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...History of the Internet From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Prior to the widespread internetworking that led to the Internet, most communication networks were limited by their nature to only allow communications between the stations on the network, and the prevalent computer networking method was based on the central mainframe method. In the 1960s, computer researchers, Levi C. Finch and Robert W. Taylor pioneered calls for a joined-up global network to address interoperability problems. Concurrently, several research programs began to research principles of networking between separate physical networks, and this led to the development of Packet switching. These included Donald Davies (NPL), Paul Baran (RAND Corporation), and Leonard Kleinrock's MIT and UCLA research programs. This led to the development of several packet switched networking solutions in the late 1960s and 1970s, including ARPANET and X.25. Additionally, public access and hobbyist networking systems grew in popularity, including UUCP and FidoNet. They were however still disjointed separate networks, served only by limited gateways between networks. This led to the application of packet switching to develop a protocol for inter-networking, where multiple different networks could be joined together into a super-framework of networks. By defining a simple common network system, the Internet protocol suite, the concept of the network could be separated from its physical implementation...
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