If a malware scam can get into Hillary Clinton�s office computers, it is probably safe to say it can get in anywhere. Not only is the Former First Lady served by top computer experts, she has access to the most expensive, state-of-the art technology. So, it would seem most computer users are vulnerable to malware also.

Earlier this year email was widely distributed with the subject line �Hillary Clinton Full Video�. Because of the intense and ground-breaking level of interest in the election this year, many people opened the email to view the presidential-hopeful up close and personal. Unfortunately, they were in for a surprise; and it was not a good surprise.

If you are not familiar with the term �malware�, don�t feel bad, you have plenty of company. Many frequent computer users incorrectly describe it as �a computer virus�. Even the media is confused and uses the terms interchangeably. That is incorrect because not all malware come in the form of viruses.

With the popularity of this campaign it is fortunate, and somewhat surprising, that only Ron Paul and Sen. Clinton have been targets of Malware thus far. Spam expert from Symantec, Mr. Douglas Bowers, stated they were concerned this might happen due to the interest in the election this season. Per Mr. Bowers �We predicted there would be socially-engineered spam for the election season and now it�s arrived. We are seeing a low volume of this now, but we expect it to increase as we approach the election and to use other candidates�.

In the instance of the Hillary Clinton email, this is how the malware operated: People opened their in-box to find an email from the presidential candidate. Once opened, they were instructed to click on a link which appears to be a Google search page. It is not a Google search page, but a link which allows the malware software to infiltrate the operating system. According to Kelly Conley, of Symantec, �This link downloads a suspect file, �mpg.exe�, which is a Trojan downloader. This downloader downloads a file, inst241.exe which is detected as Trojan.Szribi.�

F-Secure, internet software manufacturer reports that more malware was developed during 2007 than in the last twenty years combined. It seems malware is here to stay, at least for awhile. Since it is a part of life these days, all computer users are wise to consider ways to avoid malware scams. Internet security packages cannot block all malware all of the time; they do block a lot of it though.

It�s simple; they do it to serve their own purposes, such as tracking your every move on the internet via spyware. Once your shopping or browsing habits are recorded they are typically sold to a third party. Most often this party is an advertiser that has something they want to sell to you. Once they�ve identified your shopping habits, it�s easier to know what to �pitch� to you and thereby increase their chances of making you a customer.

Isaiah Henry is a remove spyware reviewer for RemoveSpywareandAdware.com, which gives PC users free tips, comparisons and reviews on antispyware services. Learn more about the best antispyware solutions for your PC.