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Rob Vamosi's
award-winning
column on Internet threats and how to counter them
Delivered Mondays
CNET Security Center: Your complete source of antivirus and Internet security information.
Virus meter ratings
At CNET we use a 10-point virus rating based upon reports from various antivirus and computer security sources worldwide. The ratings reflect a given virus's spread (current status), as well as its potential to damage your PC and the threat it poses to your personal information. For example, 2004's Sasser worm rated 7 on our scale because it was widely available and it opened a remote access on infected computers. On the other hand, a recent variation of the Sober virus rated only 4 because it simply spread by e-mail but did no other damage and posed no threat to your personal information.
At CNET we use a 10-point virus rating based upon reports from various antivirus and computer security sources worldwide. The ratings reflect a given virus's spread (current status), as well as its potential to damage your PC and the threat it poses to your personal information. For example, 2004's Sasser worm rated 7 on our scale because it was widely available and it opened a remote access on infected computers. On the other hand, a recent variation of the Sober virus rated only 4 because it simply spread by e-mail but did no other damage and posed no threat to your personal information.
RATING
CURRENT STATUS
DAMAGE
THREAT
10
Widespread
Will cause widespread Internet damage.
Allows remote users to access your computer.
9
Widespread
Will damage files and may disrupt the Internet.
Allows remote users to access your computer.
8
On the rise
Will damage files and may disrupt the Internet.
Allows remote users to access your computer.
7
On the rise
May damage files.
Allows remote users to access your computer.
6
On the rise
May damage files.
May allow remote users to access your computer.
5
On the rise
May damage files.
Doesn't allow remote users to access your computer.
4
On the rise
Will not damage files.
Doesn't allow remote users to access your computer.
3
Rare
Will not damage files and displays annoying behavior.
Doesn't allow remote users to access your computer.
2
Rare
Will not damage files
Doesn't allow remote users to access your computer.
1
Hoax
Hoax
Hoax
