Virus Encyclopedia

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Zedo

 
Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
Common name:Zedo
Technical name:Cookie/Zedo
Threat level:Medium
Type:Cookie
Effects:   It is a small text file stored on the computer when visiting web pages. Though it does not pose a risk by itself, malicious use by other software could threaten affected users' privacy. It does not spread automatically using its own means.
Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:March 8, 2005
Detection updated on:March 8, 2005
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description 

    

Zedo is a cookie.

Cookies are small text files stored in the browser on the user's computer, when visiting web pages.

Cookies store information that can be used for several purposes: to personalize web browsing, to gather demographic information about how many users visit a page, to monitor which banners are displayed to the user, etc.

These uses are not, in theory at least, malicious.

However, keep in mind that the misuse of cookies could threaten an individual's privacy.

 

Zedo does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs an attacking user's intervention in order to reach the affected computer. The means of transmission used include, among others, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, email messages with attached files, Internet downloads, FTP, IRC channels, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks, etc.