The world of computer technology continues to grow at an exponential rate. Unfortunately, as the technology becomes more sophisticated and intuitive, so does the increasingly diverse array of intruding software designed to irritate and inconvenience users, damage their work and steal from them.

The general term for all of these rogue programs is malware. However, there are several important distinctions among these programs. Some malware is simply an annoyance and does not do any damage. Other programs are created to interfere with a computer’s operation. This software can generate a range of problems on a computer from degrading performance to shutting it down. This can be expensive and time lost, particularly for a business with a network of infected computers. It is the malware user’s intent that makes the difference.

It is also the insidious nature of malware that makes people angry. Malware that uses one computer as a “zombie” to spread viruses to other computers, or that tracks users computer activities is, at the least, unethical. Computers were originally designed to be trusted.

The most intentionally malicious software programs are designed to steal from others. Some of these software creations – phishing scams – gain entry to a computer with the intent and ability to persuade unsuspecting computer users to act impulsively. The result is all too often the loss of personal identity information or money – or both.

The ultimate malware insult is the programs that attempt to persuade the user to purchase a product from a website while doing serious damage to the computer itself. Most of this activity is perpetrated by criminals, often remotely located in other countries. It is blatantly illegal and yet difficult to track down and prosecute because these gangs indirectly attack computers through other computers and websites all over the world. The good news is that law enforcement is becoming equally savvy and sophisticated in fighting e-crime.