Virus Encyclopedia

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www.cool-xxx

 
Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread

At a glance

Common name:www.cool-xxx
Technical name:Cookie/www.cool-xxx
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 95

First detected on:March 8, 2005
Detection updated on:March 8, 2005
StatisticsNo

Brief Description 

    

www.cool-xxx 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.

 

www.cool-xxx 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.

 

Tech details

Effects

Cookies store information that can be used for several purposes:

  • To personalize web pages to the preferences of each user.
  • To gather demographic information about how many users visit the page and how long they spend viewing it.
  • To monitor which banners are displayed to the user and how long.

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

Though it does not pose a risk by itself, malicious use by other software could threaten affected users' privacy, as cookies can be used to create user profiles with information that the user is unaware of, and sent to third parties.

Means of transmission


www.cool-xxx does not use any means of transmission. Cookies are usually created by the web browser, when visiting web pages.

Additionallly, some cookies can be created by certain spyware or adware programs when they connect to their own websites, or also by some advertising banners.


www.cool-xxx does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs the 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.

Solution

See solution