Glossary
Backdoor Trojan
A type of Trojan that provides attackers with remote access to infected computers. Bots are a subcategory of backdoor Trojans, which often use Internet Relay Chat (IRC) as their main method of communication.
Exploit
Malicious code that takes advantage of software vulnerabilities to infect a computer.
IM worm
Malware that spreads through instant messaging (IM) applications, typically by sending IM messages that include a link to an infected copy of itself.
Malware
Malicious software; or potentially unwanted software installed without adequate user consent.
Mass-mailing worm
Malware that spreads by spontaneously sending copies of itself through e-mail.
P2P worm
Malware that copies itself to file shares that are associated with peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, such as KaZaA and Winny, to facilitate its spread over those networks.
Password stealer (PWS)/keylogger
A password stealer (PWS) is malware that is specifically used to transmit personal information, such as usernames and passwords. A PWS often works in conjunction with a keylogger, which sends key strokes and/or screen shots to an attacker.
Trojan
A generally self-contained program that does not self-replicate, but takes malicious action on the computer.
Trojan downloader/dropper
A form of Trojan that installs other malicious files to the infected system either by downloading them from a remote computer or by dropping them directly from a copy contained in its own code.
Virus
Malware that infects other files in the system, thus allowing the execution of the malware code and its propagation when those files are activated.
