Viruses
A virus is usually a program that can attach itself to files and replicate itself repeatedly; they can
alter and replace the contents of other files in a way that may damage the computer.
A virus is a program that is normally installed without users knowledge on the computer. Once
there, the virus tries to replicate itself. The virus:
• uses some of the system resources
• may alter or damage files on the computer
• tries to use the computer to infect other computers
• may allow the computer to be used for illegal purposes.
Riskware
Riskware is not malware; it is not designed specifically to harm the computer, but it has security
critical functions that may harm the computer if misused.
These programs perform some useful but potentially dangerous function. Examples of such
programs are:
• programs for Instant messaging (like IRC, Internet relay chat),
• programs for transferring files over the Internet from one computer to another, or
•
Internet phone programs (VoIP, Voice Over Internet Protocol ).
If the program is identified as riskware but it is explicitly installed and correctly set it up, it is less
likely to be harmful.
Riskware Types
Riskware categories and platforms.
List of categories
• Adware
• AVTool
• Client-IRC
• Client-SMTP
• CrackTool
• Dialer
• Downloader
• Effect
• FalseAlarm
• Joke
• Monitor
38 | F-Secure Linux Security | Using the Product
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