Malware, or malicious software, is intentionally introduced into a computer system for the distinct purpose of causing harm or loss to the computer system or its data, or to be used as a platform to attack other computers. Malware can be unintentionally installed by clicking a button on a pop-up window or visiting a malicious website. Malware can c [..]

Adware is the name for a function within certain software to provide advertising to Customers as they use the software, in order to offset the software development costs. Adware is often confused with spyware and malware, which have potentially malicious effects.

Anti-virus protection software detects, repairs, cleans, or removes virus-infected files. Some anti-virus products also detect and remove spyware, malware, Trojan Horses and other malicious software from your computer. Anti-virus software is usually included with most computer systems and must be regularly updated to be effective.

In the context of commercial banking, dual control is a security function that reduces the likelihood of fraudulent activity against your business account by requiring Automated Clearing House (ACH) originations to be submitted to the bank for processing by two separate users. Dual control makes it harder for criminals to use key stroke tracking pr [..]

A firewall is a software or hardware device that limits access to a website, network or computer. Personal firewalls for home or business use are inexpensive and can limit unauthorized access to your home or work computer.

A keylogger is a computer program that logs each keystroke a user types on a keyboard and saves this data into a file or transfers it via the Internet to a pre-determined remote host. It also can capture screenshots of the user activity, log-in passwords, record online chat conversations or take different actions in order to find out what a user is [..]

A patch is an update to computer software or a web browser that may fix bugs, add new features or close security holes. Most software vendors release browser or operating system security patches regularly, so periodic maintenance is required to ensure sound system security.

Pharming is a variation of phishing in which malicious code is installed on a personal computer or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge or consent. Once on the fraudulent site, the user will be asked to submit confidential information and the attackers will capture this information for illegal use.

Phishing, also referred to as "spoofing", is a type of scam with the intent of capturing personal information such as Social Security numbers, online banking user identification numbers, debit and credit card account numbers, and passwords. The user is typically sent an e-mail which appears to be legitimate, asking the user to click a lin [..]

"Shoulder surfing" is the practice of peering at somebody's PIN or password to gain illegal access to their personal information.