| The motivation behind hackers has evolved noticeably | | | | against its web site. The botnet can also be hired out |
| over the last couple of years. Developing harmful | | | | to other hackers. |
| viruses is less about "bragging rights" or satisfying the | | | | The most common way of profiting from a botnet is |
| creator's ego and is becoming more and more about | | | | to use it to send out spam email. According to the |
| generating profit or commercial return. | | | | security software company Sophos over 50% of all |
| The destruction of data on your computer or | | | | spam email now originates from botnets. Hackers use |
| corruption of programs you use is a common side | | | | spam email to drive traffic to pay per click advertising |
| effect and what people have traditionally associated | | | | sites or distribute virus programs further. Using a |
| with a computer virus. The reformatting of your | | | | zombie computer helps cover their tracks. |
| computer "c: drive", especially at work, and the loss of | | | | The drive for generating profit is clearly evident in a |
| valuable data used to be an incredibly painful | | | | new form of virus dubbed "Ransomware" by security |
| experience. | | | | experts which started to appear in 2005. |
| The widespread deployment of data back up solutions | | | | Ransomware, as the name suggests, holds data on |
| within companies to comply with legislation and other | | | | your computer "hostage." Files on your hard drive are |
| factors means less and less valuable data is now | | | | encrypted with a password. The user is then |
| stored on your computer's local hard drive. More | | | | contacted and asked to pay a ransom to release the |
| importantly for the virus writer this attack does not | | | | file. |
| generate much tangible profit so there is not much | | | | Here are some simple tips and strategies to help |
| motivation to develop more sophisticated programs to | | | | prevent your computer turning into a "Zombie." |
| counter improved anti virus applications and corporate | | | | • Keep your computer up to date with the latest |
| network security. | | | | software patches for Windows and other Microsoft |
| However, there is profit for the virus writer in turning | | | | programs. Most viruses and other malware exploit |
| your computer into a spam distribution machine. | | | | vulnerabilities in widely used programs. |
| "Spam" is email sent without the permission of the | | | | • Install a reputable anti virus program. Keep the |
| person receiving the message. Hackers gain control of | | | | definitions up to date and scan your computer |
| your computer through a Trojan Horse which gives | | | | regularly. |
| them the same access rights as the user. Once your | | | | • Install a personal firewall or buy a router with a |
| computer is controlled by the hacker it becomes | | | | hardware firewall. Ideally you need a firewall solution |
| known as a "Zombie." A group of zombie machines is | | | | which filters both incoming and outgoing traffic from |
| known as a "botnet." | | | | your computer to the internet. |
| By controlling a botnet a hacker can generate profit in | | | | • Never open spam email or associated email |
| a number of ways. The botnet can be used to exhort | | | | attachments which is frequently used to distribute virus |
| a ransom from a company by threatening launch a | | | | programs. Use a spam filter to help reduce the amount |
| damaging "Distributed Denial of Service" (DDoS) attack | | | | of spam you receive. |