Firewalls Block Computer Attacks

Back when the only Internet connection available was telephone dial-up, we didn't have to worry about worms, Trojans, and viruses attacking our computer systems. Today however, with permanent, lightening-fast DSL and cable modem Internet connections, you need to take extra protections against those who enter your computer system without your consent. The following list details attack methods that are common today.

Hackers are individuals or programs that attempt to gain access to your system without your permission or your knowledge. Some hackers are automated, searching for details inside your computer in order to improve targeted advertising. Other hackers are individuals searching for your private information, such as financial account access data.

Viruses are one of the most common methods of computer attack. There are some viruses circulating that are programmed to destroy your computer; these viruses can sometimes corrupt an entire network or more. Frequently, viruses come attached to an email in the form of an executable file (a file that ends with the letters ".exe").

A virus often comes in the form of a Trojan Horse- a term that means "innocent appearance, malicious intent."

Trojan Horses are malicious viruses that attach to your computer using innocent-looking means. Often, you are lured to a Trojan-infected website through a deceptive popup or email advertisement.

Another common method to receive a Trojan is through downloading free software. Manufacturers can make money from their "free" software by allowing advertisers to add a Trojan horse. Certainly not all free software is rigged with malicious content, but it's difficult to tell when the software is truly free and when you will pay for it with loss choice or loss of privacy.

One type of Trojan hijacks your homepage and search engine preference in order to lead you to their webpage; this artificially inflates their visitor numbers, adding to the hijacker's advertising revenues. (Hijackers also hope you'll eventually buy products from their advertisers since you will be stuck looking at their webpages so frequently.) A Trojan horse hijacker is much like a rude taxi driver who takes you where he wants to go instead of where you want to go, then charges you double fare.

Worms are similar to a virus but they don't attach themselves to a file or a program on their own. Worms reside in your computer's memory and replicate themselves to spread throughout your system or network. They work their way across the Internet by attaching invisible copies to your outgoing email.

The most common types of worms are called backdoor worms. These worms can be used by hackers to open ports (entryways), allowing the hacker clear access to the computer or network.

Root Kit are Trojan viruses that go deeper into your system then typical Trojans do. These hide in your computer registry. When the Trojan attaches to your system registry, it becomes much harder to detect and remove.

Some Root Kit Trojans will allow a hacker to take control of system devices-including a web cam. This will allow the hacker to view you from your own web cam without your knowledge-a visual spy. Root Kits also have the ability to erase log files, allowing the hacker to cloak his actions so that you can't see what he's been up to in your system. If the Root Kit came as a backdoor worm, it will also allow the hacker to access your system over and again and again.

Hybrids are combinations of different viruses. A hybrid takes on the characteristics of worms and Trojans and does harm at both levels-software applications and computer system. If you don't remove a hybrid virus from your system properly it will continue to infect your system until you are unable to remove it.

One of the most common hybrids is the Subseven Root Kit hybrid. The Subseven virus attaches itself to an application-a piece of software-then takes over the name of the application in order to open its own unique library in your Windows registry. The virus can then inform outside attackers (through email) that it has infiltrated your system. Then outsiders can easily gain access. In essence, this hybrid virus gets into your system with a false ID card then secretly calls malicious friends to join the party.

Scanners are tools used by hackers to detect your computer's vulnerability; they are usually attached with worms. The scanner will check your ports looking for an open one to gain access to your system.

Security systems like firewalls use scanners to detect open ports in order to secure them before they are breached.

Some people assume viruses also come in the form of cookies, but this isn't accurate. But cookies can attack you. Cookies are small packets of data that are created when you visit a website; these are made by the vendor but stored on your computer. Each time you revisit the website the cookie is read by the vendor. Cookies are the vendor's way to store information about you and your previous visits to their website so that they can customize your visit. Cookies can also store your mailing address and credit card information to make online transactions with the vendor one step easier.

Some cookies take this a step further, however, and use the opportunity to store a tidbit of data on your computer to watch your Internet surfing habits for marketing purposes since cookies can track online movement. These cookies are called spyware since they watch your actions.

Some malicious cookies, called adware, allow advertisers to target you with ads. Though cookies don't damage your computer, they can compromise your privacy. This is a good reason to consider a firewall program that allows you to monitor and block inbound and outbound cookies.

All these computer attacks are common, but many people don't realize this until after they've become victims themselves. That's why it's important for you to be prepared with a good firewall whenever you browse the Internet.

Advanced firewall programs give you extra protection through cookie control, spyware control, adware control and software application control. We recommend the most bang for your buck; get a firewall program that keeps you informed of all the conversations your computer has on the Internet so that you can be in control.

To learn more about the best personal firewalls available, please see our HomePage .