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Threat Types

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SMS-Worm

An SMS-Worm spreads by exploiting the Short Message Service (SMS) protocol used to send short text messages between mobile devices on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network.


Spyware

A program that may compromise a user's personal or confidential information. Spyware is usually, but not always, installed on a system without a user's authorization or knowledge.

Spyware can vary widely in the kinds of actions they perform. Some common actions include displaying unsolicited pop-ups, hijacking a browser's home or search pages, redirecting browsing results and monitoring user activities.

Spyware is sometimes considered a "gray" area in terms of ethics and legality. Depending on the specific action, context of use and applicable laws, spyware could be considered legal and acceptable; dubious but unlegislated; or outright illegal and unethical.


Toolbar

A type of browser plug-in, toolbars are applications which are "added on" to Web browser programs to provide additional functionality. Many toolbars are innocuous, but some toolbars are designed to monitor a user's online browsing behavior.


Trackware

Software that monitors user behavior or gathers information about the user. The information gathered can sometimes including personally identifiable details, passwords or other confidential data.


Trojan

A program that appears to perform one action, while silently performing another action without the knowledge or authorization of the user.

A trojan typically does not replicate. There are numerous types of trojans, which are categorized based on the action(s) they perform.

Trojans were named after the Trojan Horse of Greek legend, and are sometimes referred to as Trojan Horse programs.


Trojan-Downloader

A trojan that downloads and installs programs on the targeted computer without the user's knowledge or authorization.


Trojan-Dropper

A trojan that contains other programs in its payload and installs them without the user's knowledge or authorization.


Trojan-Proxy

A trojan that forces the infected system to function as a proxy server in order to provide attackers with anonymous access to the Internet.


Trojan-PSW

A trojan that is capable of stealing passwords, account login and user details, and other confidential information from an infected machine. A more sophisticated trojan-PSW may also be capable of sending the stolen information to the attacker.


Trojan-Spy

A trojan that can function as, or install, a spy program such as a keylogger.


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