If there are any terms which we have not yet covered, please feel free to get in touch with us and we will be happy to help.
This week, we are continuing with:
False Negative
A False Negative occurs when the Anti Virus software fails to detect an infected file. False Negatives are quite common with Anti Virus software because the software can miss a new or modified virus infection.
False Positive
A False Positive occurs when the Anti Virus software mistakenly claims that a clean file is being infected with a virus, this can happen when the string for a virus signature is the same used in another application running on the PC.
Fast Infector
Fast Infector viruses are designed to infect as many files on the PC as quickly as possible. The aim is to infect every single application and file that is open at that moment in time, this can pose serious problems, if the Anti Virus scanner does not pick this virus up when doing a full system scan, it could actually attach itself to the Anti Virus scanner and infect each and every file that the scanner is scanning, leading to a system wide infection which would be incredibly difficult to remove.
Detection of a Fast Infector is actually likely, because the virus spreads so quickly it can cause the system to slow down and act very strangely, this would be the sign that you have been infected.
Firewall
A Firewall is used to block unauthorised access to a computer or computer network. Firewalls come in either hardware or software format. Most Anti Virus programs contain a software version of a Firewall and all versions of Windows from XP upwards come with a software firewall.
Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorised Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially Intranets. All messages entering or leaving the Intranet pass through the Firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
The Firewall is normally placed between a protected network and an unprotected network and acts like a gate to protect assets to ensure that nothing private goes out and nothing malicious comes in.
Most modern ADSL/Cable Routers contain a firewall which is set to analyse all inbound requests as default.
Software Firewalls like those found on the desktop and Anti Virus programs are ok for home or SOHO users, but SME’s with a larger network containing various servers and functions, segments and tele-workers requiring inbound access via VPN (Virtual Private Network) will usually require a more sophisticated Firewall to protect their assets.
It’s worth noting that the older USB ADSL Modems (usually Alcatel and connected directly to the PC via a USB cable) that the ISP’s used to send out free with a new ADSL package did not have any Firewall software included. If you are still using one of these, it is definitely worth considering replacing it for a ADSL Modem Router which a) has a Firewall built and b) will allow you to network your devices such as PC, Notebook, Printer, Network Hard Disks, Games consoles etc.
The Glossary will continue next week. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
