Week 6 study materials and assignments

Defending Against Trojans, Spyware, And Adware

A Trojan horse is an application that appears to a computer user to be useless or harmless, but in reality is hazardous to the computer. The Trojan is typically downloaded unintentionally by unknowing internet users attempting to download security tools or other useful programs, screen savers, images, or documents. Once the Trojan is able to invade and gain access to the computer, it is unfortunately capable of erasing files, planting malware, sending span, compromising personal information, among other detrimental actions.

A user might identify the invasion of a Trojan horse by noticing the change of their home browser, passwords or usernames, screen savers or mouse settings, or by drives operating on their own. To prevent a Trojan invasion, a user might take similar steps as Bob did. While Bob did many intelligent steps to properly secure his computer, he is able to add a few additional measures in order to prevent a Trojan from invading his computer. He is able to add antivirus software, limit his internet downloading, and limit the amount of users able to access and use his computer.

Spyware and adware continue to cultivate in being an issue for personal and commercial computers alike. Spyware functions for the opportunity to steal information from a machine with the sole purpose of making it available to another user. Adversely, adware seeks to invade the computer and place information on a computer in the form of the pop-up advertisement. A growing number of computer users are ignoring the risks of spyware and adware, only heightening the potential for frustration or a security breach.

As like Bob, one of the best defenses a computer user may have is antispyware. Antispyware software will scan the computer for spyware files based on commonly known spyware files. When obtaining the antispyware software, Bob must determine whether an anti-adware software was also purchased. While anti-adware software is common, it is difficult to obtain it outside of a package deal, bundled with antispyware.

Taking Precautions:

Protecting Company Security at the Dismissal of an Employee

Hector has made the intelligent decision to enact certain securities to ensure that employees do not steal information upon their departure from the company. Understandably, he has taken away the rights and abilities for the employees to access software on devices upon their leaving. While Hector has taken almost every technological precaution possible, he has neglected to address the determination of an employee.