Malware | 4.1 | OCR GCSE Computer Science | J277
19 flashcards
- Malware
- A malicious software designed to harm or compromise a computer system or steal a user's personal info.
- Virus
- Attaches itself to files or programs and spreads when it is run / opened.
- What is the intent of a virus?
- To damage or delete data.
- Worms
- Self-replicating malware that spreads across programs without user interaction.
- Intention of worms
- - To consume a lot of bandwidth, therefore slowing down a network. - To modify or delete data.
- Trojan Horse
- Malware which disguises itself as a real software to trick people into downloading it.
- Intentions of trojan horse
- Once installed, trojans can create a backdoor, giving the hacker access to the user's system.
- Spyware
- Malware that secretly collects a user's information (e.g. passwords, browsing habits).
- Why can spyware be difficult to detect?
- As they run in the background of the user's computer.
- What is the most common type of spyware?
- Keyloggers, which track key presses.
- Ransomware
- Malware that locks files on a user's system using encryption so that files can no longer be accessed.
- Intention of ransomware
- To receive money from the victim to decrypt (unlock) the data.
- Rootkit
- Malware which hides its presence on a computer by altering the Operating System (OS).
- Why is rootkit hard to identify and remove?
- Because it gives attackers unauthorised access to the system remotely and without detection.
- Adware
- Malware that displays or downloads adverts onto a device without consent.
- Adware intention
- - To slow systems down and be intrusive. - To track user activity.
- How can anti-malware software prevent malware?
- It detects and removes harmful malware.
- How can a firewall prevent malware?
- It monitors network activity to block suspicious connections and activity.
- How can user access levels prevent malware?
- It restricts that users can download, install and run, reducing risk of becoming subject to malware.