Glossary

Hoax: A virus hoax is a false warning about a computer virus. Typically, an e-mail message arrives warning of a virus that cannot be detected and cleaned by current antivirus software.  The message may instruct you to delete valid system files which the message claims to be virus files. The message may also encourage you to forward the warning to other users.

If you get a message warning about a new virus, visit the McAfee Virus Hoaxes website to determine if it is a hoax. If someone you know sends a virus hoax, reply to the sender that the virus warning is a hoax.  Do not forward the warning to other users.

Scan Engine: Each antivirus application contains a scan engine designed to work with a specific operating system and its associated files.  As updates are made to the operating systems, corresponding updates are made to the scan engine to insure virus protection.  It is important to keep your antivirus software scan engine current. The McAfee auto-update and SuperDat files update the scan engine.

Virus Signature File: A unique string of bits, or the binary pattern of a virus. The virus signature is like a fingerprint in that it can be used to detect and identify specific viruses. Anti-virus software uses the virus signature to scan for the presence of malicious code.

Trojan: A destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive. One of the most insidious type of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.

Virus: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

Worm: A program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer's resources and possibly shutting a system down.

Last Updated: March 2, 2006