System information

Threats to computer security 29
TYPE
NAME
DESCRIPTION
Email-
Flooders
Programs for
flooding e-mail e-
mail addresses
These programs send numerous messages
to e-mail addresses (flood them). Due to
the large flow of messages, the users are
unable to view non-spam incoming
messages.
IM-Flooders
Programs used for
flooding IM
programs
These programs send numerous messages
to IM client users (instant messaging
programs), such as ICQ, MSN Messenger,
AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Pager or
Skype. Due to the large flow of messages,
the users are unable to view non-spam
incoming messages.
SMS-
Flooders
Programs used for
flooding with SMS
text messages
These programs send numerous SMS
messages to mobile phones.
POTENTIALY UNWANTED PROGRAMS
Potentially unwanted programs, unlike malware programs, are not intended
solely to inflict damage. However they can be used to breach the computer's
security.
Potentially unwanted programs include adware, pornware and other potentially
unwanted programs.
Adware programs (see page 30) involve display of advertising information to the
user.
Pornware programs (see page 30) involve display of pornographic information to
the user.
Other Riskware (see page 31) – more often than not they are useful programs
used by many computer users. However, if an intruder obtains access to these
programs or install them to the user's computer, such intruder can use their
functionality to breach the security.