PRESS RELEASE: 27 JUNE, 2007

INTELLIGENT NETWORK SERVICES EDUCATES
CLIENTS ON THE PERILS OF MALWARE

What is Malware and What Kind of Damage Can It Cause?

San Jose, CA - June 27, 2007 - People who are not entrenched in the computer industry may have a hard time understanding all of the geek speak used to describe warnings when it comes to their systems. In fact, the staff at Intelligent Network Services (INS), realized that many of their clients outside the computer industry are not familiar with the term 'malware' and don't understand the dangerous affects it can have on their business.

"First off, the word 'malware' is formed from the words 'malicious' and 'software.' Malware, then is software that performs malicious activities on a computer system, usually without the knowledge of the computer owner or user," explains Thomas Burn, founder of Intelligent Network Services (INS). "Calling something 'malware pre-supposes a harmful intention on the part of the creator or sender of the software.

Secondly, 'malware' is a broad term that includes a number of tactics used to do harm to a computer. It includes computer viruses, worms, spyware, Trojan horses, and dishonest ads, etc. For example, images in advertising (emails, newsletters, etc) that are activated when the communication is opened, can have codes embedded in the images that gather information from the computer and report it back to the sender."

"Malware' is also the same as a 'computer contaminant' - a phrase used in the legal codes of several states, including California. Malware can affect or be aimed at any single computer or any type of system, such as a network, an application, or an operating system.

What makes a computer vulnerable to malware?

• When all of the computers in a network operate on the same operating system, all of the computers in the network are vulnerable if someone breaks that system.
• Bugs or errors in a system make it easier to exploit with malware.
• Hidden codes from internet sites, emails, CDs or other disks can introduce malware without the user realizing it.
• Inappropriate changes to the internal structure of the system.
• Inadequate system security that allows access to unauthorized persons.

Burns advises that every computer owner or user can be proactive in protecting their computers or systems from malware. The primary elements of malware protection are:

• Keep all software current and properly patched
• Update your operating system regularly
• Update your anti-virus software regularly
• Download files only from reliable known sources
• Read all license agreements carefully before installing new software. Look for warnings about spyware
• Install and use a firewall
• Allow only the experts to modify code or make changes to the structure of the system.

"If the smooth and efficient operation of your computer or your network is important to you," said Burns, "it is important to remember that many damaged files and programs can never be repaired or recovered if attacked by malware. Protect your system, protect your programs, protect your files."

Intelligent Network Services was founded by Thomas Burns in 1999 and is headquartered in San Jose, CA. INS is an information technology support company that caters to small to mid-sized companies in designing and maintaining their information systems to ensure their day to day business operations are not interrupted. Their clients range from a single workstation to clients with over 150 workstations, 10 servers with remote locations and they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. INS offers free network evaluations for interested Bay Area companies. For more information visit www.intelligentns.com/subscribe or call 408.260.1601.