Privacy, Security & Virus Information

What is a Dropper?

What is a dropper? Now, there might be any number of rude and amusing meanings for this word, but, in internet terminology, there is nothing funny about it at all.

A dropper is a software programme that has been designed to covertly install Malware code into a computer's system. The Malware is basically software that consists of code that is in effect a computer virus with specific instructions.

The dropper is designed to install the Malware without the virus scanners picking it up. Alternatively, the dropper might install a line of code that downloads the actual Malware at the next opportunity, when the computer is online.

But however the dropper works, it is bad news.

It usually comes in two forms. The first one exploits the computer's system without the user's help; in other words, it just gets on with the job of either destroying the computer, or sending out information from that particular computer including personal and banking details. The second type of dropper is one that disguises itself as another sort of programme and then tricks the user to activate it.

A great example of the second type of Malware is one that bogus subscription sites employ. You download a programme and you agree to pay a set amount per month to access the site, or receive some other goods, or services. The programme appears innocent enough, yet in fact it enables it to authorise payments from the credit card as often as it likes.

And you only become aware of this when your credit card bill arrives and you find you've been spending well over the odds for what was a small initial payment.

So how can you avoid being dropped on? Firstly, get the best anti-virus software you can afford and get one that frequently updates itself. Finding an old security CD and loading that into your computer and hoping that will do the job, is nigh on useless. Viruses, Trojans and Malware are developed so quickly these days, that one day to the next can mean you are vulnerable to a whole host of new attacks.

Secondly, and this a rule that you should adhere to no matter what, do not download anything that you cannot vouch for. With every email that does not come from a trusted source, take a few minutes to get its measure. Who sent it, why, what's that attachment. And never, ever, download attachments unless you are 100% sure of what they are and that they can be trusted.

Thirdly, if you suspect you have Malware on your computer, stop using it immediately. And unless you are highly skilled, don't bother to try and find the Malware and delete it. It's more than likely hiding as something completely innocent and secondly, it's not just a matter of pressing the delete button. They are designed to hang on for dear life. You should bring in a computer expert and he will have to usually wipe and reload all your computer's software, in order to ensure it's safe.

So what is a dropper? It's something you don't want to get.

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