When analyzing a potential threat, we use 5 specific criteria: behavior, privacy, distribution, removal, and integration. The threat is then assigned points according to its characteristics when attempting to infiltrate your computer. The points are tallied and rounded to the nearest whole number to determine the threat’s TA index level. Click on the threat levels or criteria below to learn more about the analysis process.
Automatic High
All criteria in this section represent extreme risk; if the threat matches even one of the criteria, it receives an automatic TA rating of 10.
Behavior
- Connects to perform or aid in a DoS (Denial of Service) attack
- Dials an unprompted or unauthorized Internet connection
- Opens or exploits system vulnerability
- Alters, hooks, or damages the Windows login
- Performs any counter actions designed to deactivate or damage the Operating System, security or privacy applications, and/or Operating System security policies/features
- Drops additional virus, key logging, Trojan, or dialer applications / components
- Maliciously alters Hosts file
- Intentionally causes other software to malfunction or change designed behavior
- Virus / Trojan
Privacy
- Logs and/or transmits key strokes
- Transmits physical address, telephone numbers, credit card information, or banking information without the user's explicit permission
Distribution
- Application is installed automatically via dropper
- Application is installed via system or software exploit
- Application is distributed through deceptive and/or illegal means to trick the user into installing
Removal
- Uninstaller functions deceptively by stealthily uninstalling then reinstalling content
- Installs so that removal can cause damage to the operating system
- Manual removal is actively prevented
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