Cybersecurity: Viruses and Malware

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Questions and Answers

How do viruses typically spread from one file to another?

  • By attaching to executable files and spreading when the infected file is run. (correct)
  • By disguising themselves as legitimate software updates.
  • By independently seeking out vulnerabilities in a system.
  • By directly exploiting network connections.

If a program is described as 'designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system,' which category does it fall into?

  • Firmware
  • Malware (correct)
  • Shareware
  • Adware

Which of the following behaviors is most characteristic of a virus?

  • Self-replication without infecting other files.
  • Disguising itself as legitimate software without replicating.
  • Infecting files and requiring a host program to function and spread. (correct)
  • Monitoring user activities without consent or replication.

A user notices their computer performance has slowed down, and their data is being corrupted. Which type of cyber threat is most likely the cause?

<p>Virus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately captures a key difference between viruses and other forms of malware?

<p>Viruses require user execution to spread, while other malware can spread automatically. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A software program secretly records a user's keystrokes and steals sensitive data without their consent. Which type of malware is this?

<p>Spyware (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary function of spyware?

<p>Monitoring user activities and collecting data without consent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity exemplifies a common tactic used by spyware?

<p>Secretly recording keystrokes to capture passwords and personal information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding different types of cyber threats contribute to online safety?

<p>It enables users to accurately identify threats and implement appropriate preventative measures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be most effective in mitigating the risks associated with malware?

<p>Regularly updating software and using reliable security tools. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example represents a government-level spyware that caused significant data breaches and impacted user privacy?

<p>FinFisher (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes why malware, including viruses and spyware, are considered serious threats?

<p>They pose significant risks to cybersecurity by potentially causing data theft, system damage, and privacy breaches. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do worms primarily differ from viruses in terms of their propagation method?

<p>Worms self-replicate and spread independently, whereas viruses require a host file to propagate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates the potential impact of malware on a computer system?

<p>Unauthorized access to sensitive information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective strategy for end users to minimize the impact of cyber threats in their daily online activities?

<p>Staying informed about the latest cyber threats, using reliable security tools, and practicing safe browsing habits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a Virus?

A type of malware that attaches itself to files or programs and spreads when executed.

What is Malware?

Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system.

What is Spyware?

A type of malware that monitors user activities without their consent.

What do viruses do?

Infect files and replicate itself.

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What are Trojans?

Disguises itself as legitimate software.

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Impact of a Virus

Can delete, corrupt files and slow down the system.

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What does keylogging do?

Records keystrokes.

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CoolWebSearch

Browser hijacker.

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Define Virus

A malware that spreads through infected files

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Define Worms

Malicious software that can self-replicate and spread automatically.

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Study Notes

  • Calcutta Institute of Technology is affiliated to MAKAUT.
  • Viruses, malware, cyber threats, and spyware are key cybersecurity topics.

Defining Viruses: Infection and Replication

  • Viruses attach to executable files and spread when the infected file runs.
  • Attachment describes how viruses attach to executable files or documents.
  • Replication occurs as viruses copy their code into other files.

Malware: A Spectrum of Malicious Software

  • Malware stands for Malicious Software.
  • Malware encompasses software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized system access.
  • Viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware are examples of malware.
  • Viruses infect files and replicate.
  • Worms self-replicate and spread.
  • Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software.

What is a Virus?

  • Viruses are a type of malware that attaches to files or programs and spreads upon execution.
  • Viruses require a host program to function and spread.
  • Viruses can corrupt or delete data and slow down systems.

Virus vs. Malware

  • Viruses are a type of malware that spreads through infected files, malware is any malicious software that harms devices.
  • Virus spread requires user execution, while malware can spread automatically.
  • Virus impact includes deleting, corrupting files, or slowing systems; malware impact varies (data theft, ransom, system damage).

Understanding Spyware

  • Spyware monitors user activities without consent.
  • Spyware records keystrokes, steals sensitive data, and tracks online behavior.
  • Keyloggers, tracking cookies, and screen recorders are examples of spyware.

Common Spyware Tactics: Keylogging & Data Theft

  • Keylogging records keystrokes.
  • Data theft steals personal data.
  • Surveillance monitors activity.

Notable Spyware Examples: Case Studies & Impact

  • CoolWebSearch caused significant data breaches and impacted user privacy as a browser hijacker.
  • Gator adware bundled spyware.
  • FinFisher is government-level spyware.

Conclusion

  • Malware, including viruses and spyware, poses serious cybersecurity threats.
  • Viruses are specific malware requiring user intervention, while malware is a broader category.
  • Understanding cyber threats is key to preventing attacks.
  • Strong cybersecurity practices mitigate risks and enhance online safety.
  • Staying informed, using reliable security tools and safe browsing habits are important.

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