What is Computer Security

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What is Computer Security
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The Problem

• There are some bad guys
• They are called viruses (or viri)

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What is a virus?

• A virus is a program created by a mal-intentioned
  individual that does something in your computer
  you don't want it to do.

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What can they do?

• Virtually anything for example
• Pranks
• Destruction.
• They often propagate to other computers
• They may send information home
• Credit card numbers
• Id numbers
• Etc.
• Be a nuisance
• Slow down your computer.

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They may also crash your computer
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How do viruses attack?
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Attack methods

• Usually they hide in some email attachment or
  some other program. These are called trojans.
• They may also attack directly. Viruses which go
  from computer to computer are called worms

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Defenses?
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How does a regular user defend themselves.

• Worms and viruses take advantage of weaknesses in
  programs (vulnerabilities). As soon as they are
  discovered, they are patched. That is why it is
  important to keep your computer up to date with
  patches.
• Run anti virus and anti root kit software.
• Use at least one firewall
• It is also important not to open any attachments
  or run any programs for which you have not
  received independent confirmation they are OK
  (the bad guys can send email pretending it is
  from a friend of yours).
• Definitely, do not click here

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Some variant viruses
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Even the Amish get into the act )
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So, what do we study in Computer Security?