This weekly column will feature the latest topics and trends constantly emerging in a rapidly-growing technical world.
Each week, we will focus on a specific technical topic, with topics covering a wide range of technical issues and the latest technical gadgets.
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Every so often we encounter difficulties with our devices that are of the software variety. Should any malicious content gain access to your computer, a plethora of data could be stolen, ranging from passwords to bank account information.

Programs that would perform such actions can be broadly referred to as malware.

Malware can be divided into various other categories ranging from the standard computer virus to the ever annoying adware and ransomware.
The most relevant type of malware to a college student on a protected network would most certainly be Trojans.

Much akin to the wooden horse delivered to the Greeks by the Romans, Trojans typically represent themselves as trustworthy programs only to hold a nasty surprise inside, just waiting to be released.

Trojans attempt to lure users into installing them on their devices by posing as routine software updates or other nondescript applications.
Often the Trojan is only a shell to deliver a more deadly piece of software onto a user’s device.

The trick to staying safe from Trojans though lies in their operation. Much like how you can never be surprised if you do not open a gift, Trojans cannot do their dirty work if they are never installed.

Another particularly pesky piece of malware is adware. This is the annoying little cousin of the malware family that never stops bugging people even if they are given what they desire, that desire being your personal browsing habits.

Typically adware can be identified by redirecting a user’s internet searches to another search engine or the presence of pop-up ads on normally secure websites.

Most commonly if a user finds that their home page is altered not by their own hand, then that is a case of adware. Adware seeks to understand a user’s internet viewing habits so that companies can inject personalized ads into the user’s web browsing experience.

Although not particularly classified as malware, phishing is a very common method of delivery for malware. Phishing is typically an email, text, or other digital communication that poses as an important subject that requires immediate action.

Please note that a service or website will never ask to re-verify a password. Typically, a user will be asked to simply create a new password and proceed from there.

Now having covered some of the most common types of malware, next week will cover less common malware.

However, it is important to know that all malware regardless of rarity should be dealt with swiftly by the most trusted computer technician.

To get in touch with on-campus tech support, call (717) 361-3333 or submit a ticket through email at helpdesk@etown.edu.