Definition of Warez Sites - Business Software Alliance

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Warez Sites

Description:
Warez (pronounced "wares") is a term used on the Internet to refer to pirated software. The term began being used when free download Web sites were popular. Today, "warez" is used to describe any site which hosts pirated software; Web sites, FTP sites, etc. The organizations or people behind Warez sites are software pirates who violate copyright laws and steal from the rightful owners of the material. Warez site pirates often obtain current or pre-release copies of copyrighted works, then "crack" the security features and offer it for download to others on the Internet. Warez pirates and those who download from them are actively prosecuted. On July 1, 2005, for example, law enforcement agents from 11 countries participated in one of the largest raids to date on suspected Warez sites. More than 90 searches were conducted worldwide.

How to Recognize This Threat:
Any Web site that offers free download of games, movies, music, and software applications that are not designated freeware or shareware is a Warez site.

What Should I Do:
Never download copyrighted material. This is against international law. Anyone participating is liable and can be charged in criminal and civil proceedings.

Adware
	Annoying pop-up and banner ads? System slowdowns? Your computer may be infected with Adware
Bots & Botnets
	Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Browser Highjacking
	Malware used by hackers to direct your computer to their websites, regardless of the address you entered.
Cookies
	A Web page that welcomes you by name uses cookies
Counterfeit Products
	Businesses rely on what is called a digital signature to recognize their customers
Digital Signatures
	Businesses rely on what is called a digital signature to recognize their customers
Extortionware
	A software program that encrypts essential personal files - taking them hostage and demanding money for their safe return
Keylogger
	Hackers illegally use software keyloggers to identify their victims’ computer passwords, login names, bank account and credit card numbers
Malware
	Any software program developed for the purpose of doing harm to a computer system or to create mischief
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
	Cyber criminals eavesdrop on electronic communication between a consumer and a legitimate organization
Nigerian Scam
	Unsolicited email messages from a stranger who promises great wealth — a get-rich-quick scheme
P2P File Sharing
	Peer-to-peer file sharing is very popular on the Internet, but it can also lead to virus infections and a host of other problems
Pharming
	A technically sophisticated scam designed to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers
Phishing
	Official looking and sounding messages that urge immediate action to update sensitive financial and identity information
SMishing
	Designed to trick you into divulging identity information, SMishing is Phishing over cell phones and other mobile devices.
Social Engineering Scams
	A scam that preys upon our acceptance of authority and willingness to cooperate with others
Social Networking Sites
	Never under any circumstances should your child or young teenager agree to meet in person someone from one of these sites
Software Piracy
	The illegal use and/or distribution of software protected under intellectual property laws
Spam
	The cyber equivalent to junk mail – spammers have developed many ways of obtaining email addresses
Spim
	Unsolicited product or service advertisements that appear as instant messages
Sping
	Spam from a fake blog tricking the unwary into visiting
Spit
	A spam campaign against VOIP voicemail
Splog
	A spam campaign directed against blogs
Spoofing
	A criminal pretends to be a business or organization in order to gain access to a computer user’s sensitive information such as bank account, credit card, or Social Security numbers
Spy-Phishing
	In a successful Spy-Phishing attack, a Trojan and/or Spyware is downloaded onto your computer from a Phishing message.
Stealth, Polymorphic, and Armored viruses
	These viruses hide, copy, or “armor” themselves in an attempt to avoid detection and removal from a computer.
Bots & Botnets
	Hackers use bot programs for theft, fraud, and denial-of-service attacks on Web sites
Trojan Horses
	Files or software programs that appear to be legitimate, but once installed can cause havoc
Viruses
	Malicious programs or codes inserted into computer systems without the user’s permission
Warez Sites
	Any site that hosts pirated software
Worms
	These malicious software programs spread automatically from computer to computer
Zombie Drones
	Personal computers secretly under the control of hackers

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