User manual

Viruses and more
Avira Server Security - User Manual (Status: 16 Dec. 2013) 26
7. Viruses and more
Avira Server Security not only detects viruses and malware, it can also protect you from
other threats. In this chapter you can find an overview of different kinds of malware and
other threats describing their background, behavior and the unpleasant surprises they
have in store for you.
Related topics:
 Threat categories
 Viruses and other malware
7.1 Viruses and other malware
Adware
Adware is software that presents banner ads or in pop-up windows through a bar that
appears on a computer screen. These advertisements usually cannot be removed and are
consequently always visible. The connection data allow many conclusions on the usage
behavior and are problematic in terms of data security.
Backdoors
A backdoor can gain access to a computer by bypassing the computer access security
mechanisms.
A program that is being executed in the background generally enables the attacker almost
unlimited rights. User's personal data can be spied with the backdoor's help. But are
mainly used to install further computer viruses or worms on the relevant system.
Boot viruses
The boot or master boot sector of hard disks is mainly infected by boot sector viruses.
They overwrite important information necessary for the system execution. One of the
awkward consequences: the computer system cannot be loaded any more…
Bot-Net
A bot-net is defined as a remote network of PCs (on the Internet) that is composed of bots
that communicate with each other. A bot-net can comprise a collection of cracked
machines running programs (usually referred to as worms, Trojans) under a common
command and control infrastructure. Bot-nets serve various purposes, including denial-of-
service attacks etc., usually without the affected PC user's knowledge. The main potential