Malware

Comes in many forms and can be any program or source code producing output that the computer owner does not need, want, or expect. For example, malware can be a remote access Trojan horse that can not only open a back door to a remote computer but also control someone’s computer or network from a remote location. Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses (that can, for example, spy on the system and display ads when the user least expects it), and malicious active content arriving through email or Web pages visited. These forms of malware normally run without the knowledge and permission of the user.

See Also: Back or Trap Door; Electronic Mail or Email; Trojan; Virus; Worm.