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Unit 2 Career Readiness
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
As a precaution, there are ways to protect your computer from
cookies. One way is to prevent them from being accepted by the
browser. Most web browsers allow you to set a preference to never
accept cookies. Check your browser for specifi c instructions. Another
way to protect your computer is to delete cookies on a regular basis.
Cookies can also be removed by running a disk cleanup utility.
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, is a term given to software
programs that are intended to damage, destroy, or steal data. Beware
of an invitation to click on a website link for more information
about an advertisement. The link may trigger malware. One click
can activate a code, and your computer could be hacked or infected.
Malware comes in many forms including spyware, Trojan horses,
worms, and viruses.
Spyware is software that invades a computer to collect data.
Spyware can capture private information. Examples of what
spyware may capture include e-mail messages, user names,
passwords, bank account information, and credit card information.
Spyware shows no signs it has infected a computer. Often, users are
not aware that spyware is on their computer.
A Trojan horse is malware that usually appears as a useful or
common application. This encourages the user to download and use
the program. However, a Trojan horse performs malicious actions on
the user’s computer. This may include destroying data or stealing
information. Trojan horses do not self-replicate. They also do not
infect other fi les.
A worm is similar to a Trojan horse, except it self-replicates.
Worms self-replicate so they can infect other computers and devices.
Like Trojan horses, worms do not infect multiple fi les.
A software virus is a computer program designed to negatively
impact a computer system by infecting other fi les. A virus may
destroy data on the computer, cause programs to malfunction,
bring harm to a network, or steal information. Viruses can enter a
computer in many ways. One way is to download an infected fi le
from an e-mail or website.
Virus-protection software, also called antivirus or antimalware
software, helps safeguard a computer. It should be used on any
computer or electronic device, even if it is not connected to the
Internet or a network. A virus may be on a USB drive or other media
used with the device. It should also have a fi rewall. A fi rewall is a
program that monitors information coming into a computer. It helps
ensure that only safe information gets through.