Like most technology related topics, these terms can be best explained by relating them to ‘human terms’.  For instance, just as the computer CPU can be referred to as the ‘brain’ of the computer, the same is true for viruses, malware, and spyware.

In the old days, meaning in the 1990’s, a virus was the most common threat to a computer system.  Remember the Love Bug virus?  This virus was spread by sending email messages to unsuspecting computer users with the simple message, “I love you”.  As a result of users opening the message, viruses were spread quickly through computer networks and caused all sorts of computer issues, not to mention lost profits and wasted resources.  So what is the definition of a virus?

A virus will attempt to disable a computer system or attempt to destroy data.  Viruses, in their proper definition, are not too common anymore given that hackers and thieves want to steal your information, not destroy it.

Malware is one of the most common threats today.  Malware often alerts a computer user that their system has been infected. Often times, the alert will look like a Microsoft Windows screen or some type of anti-virus software.  It may have a ‘fix this now’ type of button which redirects the user to another website to purchase removal software.  Sounds like something useful, right?  In the case of malware infections, the user often times did not have an infection at all.  However, the malware gave them the infection and will ‘nag’ the user until the product is either purchased or the malware is removed.

Spyware is another type of malware, but has another purpose than simply asking the user to purchase something.  Spyware does exactly what it sounds like, it spies on you.  Often times, spyware will track movements such as visited websites or keystrokes.  It may collect online purchasing data such as credit card numbers, personal interests, or other information that is typically not shared freely.

Why do I care?
We hear this question most often followed by the statement, “it’s not like I have nuclear launch codes”.  While that may be true, it does not mean that your computer systems do not contain confidential information.  Let me name if few examples:

• If your company uses some sort of accounting package such as QuickBooks or Peachtree, then you most likely have social security numbers in the file.  If this file is stolen, identity theft can occur.
• If your company purchases supplies or other materials over the Internet, then credit card numbers and bank accounts can be recorded.
• If you store confidential and/or proprietary information on your computer network, spyware is a real concern.

The fact is that all companies have some information on their computer systems that they would leave lying around for anyone to see.  While there is no ‘golden shield’ against all threats, every company should perform their due diligence to make sure that confidential information is not compromised.  At NTP, we offer a series of policies and procedures to help prevent against this ever growing threat.  If you have questions or concerns, we hope that you will give us a call.  Our telephone number is 615-225-2300.

1)   Use passwords with at least 7 characters that include at least one upper case letter, a lower case letter, a number, and a special symbol (such as %).

2)  Never leave your computer unsecure.  Instead, log out whenever you leave your desk.  At NTP, we have a saying.  “Before you leave your seat, press CTRL, ALT, DEL”.

3)  If you use wireless access, make sure that it is encrypted to help protect yourself from unauthorized access.

For more information on how to secure your company’s network and information, call NTP today.

Spyware does not spread like a computer virus. That is, it doesn’t seek to replicate itself among computers like viruses do. Most spyware is installed as a matter of deception. For example, a user receives a bogus email that tricks him into visiting a malicious Web site that installs the spyware. Unsuspecting users may also be tricked into downloading and installing spyware thinking that the program will do something else (a classic Trojan horse). In many cases, spyware is actually installed along with legitimate shareware and commercial software.

1) We could last maybe a week without the computer.

2) We might as well shut the doors.

More times that not, the answer is #2.  businesses use computers for research, marketing, email, invoicing, accounts payable functions, etc.  ‘System down’ situations can cause a loss in productivity as well as result in the loss of customers.  Let’s face it, if you can’t provide a service or product to your customer then someone else will.  That is why minimum downtime is so important.  In addition, businesses often loose vital company information because they have not implemented a reliable backup system.

Let NTP help your business implement backup and disaster recovery procedures today!

People often confuse memory and hard drive.  If I were to ask, “what is your child’s birthday”, you could probably answer in a matter of seconds.  However, if I were to ask you what Martha Washington’s birthday was, you would probably have to look it up on the Internet or at the local library.  Memory is just that…  memory (what is your child’s birthday).  A hard drive is a store of information that can be accessed when needed by programs or the computer user.  Therefore, in the example above, the library would be the computer hard drive.