Sunday, October 21, 2012

Lecture Post: Malware


My entrepreneurial idea is one for an app that would run on both Apple and Android products, particularly smartphones, iPads and tablets.  The app, called “Connected” is one that allows you to stay in touch with your friends easily no matter where you are.  Using Apple and Android integrated software, this app automatically shows the location of your closest friends via GPS right on your mobile device.  You will never lose your friends again!

Malware, or malicious software, is usually programs that are downloaded by a user onto his/her computer without knowledge that he/she downloaded them.  Malware alters the computer’s operations and include other types of harmful software like spyware.  Malware is a type of virus or Trojan horse usually, but can be classified in multiple different software program attacks. 

A computer or mobile device that is infected with malware can have one or more of many unusual actions.  Some of these include corrupted files, sound distortion, slow or unresponsive OS, unwanted images, system properties alterations, OS failure, and deletion of files.  Malware has a payload that is the damaging event that the malware program intends to deliver to the unfortunate user.  Malware can deliver the payload when a user runs the program, opens an infected file, connects an unprotected computer to a network, or opening an infected email. 

Malware can be easily prevented from attacking your OS with protection software.  Antivirus software usually covers computers against most malware, spyware, viruses and harmful worms.  However, it is the user that must be smart and careful not to download or use sketchy programs.  For my app, Connected, there won’t be too much danger in terms of malware security because malware usually attacks the system itself rather than specific apps.  However, we can build in protection that prevents from information and file codes from being easily accessible to these harmful programs.


Works Cited: 

Shelly, Gary B., and Misty Vermaat. Discovering Computers: Complete. Boston, MA: Course Technology, 2011. Print.

2 comments:

  1. This is a really interesting idea that you have. I could see some many people, especially college kids, using this application. Nice use of headings, title, font, and background images on your blog.

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  2. Nice post and a great idea with the app you have thought of. You explained really well how malware does not harm your app. I believe that apple has already made an app similar to this called "Find My Friends." You should look into this app because it can probably give you more ideas. Also, maybe you should try to add a couple pictures to your posts because just the plain text can sometimes be boring to the reading. Nice job and keep it up!

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