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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a backdoor in malware?
What is the primary function of a backdoor in malware?
Why are rootkits considered difficult to detect and remove?
Why are rootkits considered difficult to detect and remove?
Which type of malware records keystrokes to collect sensitive information?
Which type of malware records keystrokes to collect sensitive information?
How can malware typically spread to a computer system?
How can malware typically spread to a computer system?
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What is one potential damage caused by malware?
What is one potential damage caused by malware?
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What is the primary purpose of malware?
What is the primary purpose of malware?
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Which type of malware does NOT require user intervention to spread?
Which type of malware does NOT require user intervention to spread?
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What does a Trojan horse typically disguise itself as?
What does a Trojan horse typically disguise itself as?
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Which malware type is specifically designed to lock files and extort payment?
Which malware type is specifically designed to lock files and extort payment?
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What is the main objective of using malware to steal intellectual property?
What is the main objective of using malware to steal intellectual property?
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Which of the following represents a common use of spam?
Which of the following represents a common use of spam?
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Which of these methods can malware employ for spying on users?
Which of these methods can malware employ for spying on users?
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What distinguishes a computer virus from a worm?
What distinguishes a computer virus from a worm?
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Study Notes
Malware Overview
- Malware is any program or file harmful to a computer user.
- Malware types include viruses, worms, Trojans, spam, backdoors, rootkits, keyloggers, and spyware.
Types of Malware
Viruses
- Malicious executable code.
- Spreads by attaching to a host document (often executable files).
- "Host" refers to the document or file the virus attaches to.
Worms
- Self-replicating computer programs.
- Use networks to send copies to other nodes (computers) without user intervention.
- Don't require attaching to an existing program to spread.
Trojans
- Malware disguising as legitimate software.
- Designed to discover financial information, take over system resources, and create denial-of-service attacks (making network resources unavailable).
Spam
- Flooding the internet with copies of the same message.
- Mostly commercial advertisements.
- Unwanted emails, junk emails, or junk newsgroup postings.
Backdoors
- Similar to Trojans or worms, but open a network connection for hackers or other malware to enter.
- Allows malicious programs to be sent.
- Unlike front doors (requiring user action), backdoors are malicious entry points.
Rootkits
- Difficult to detect and remove (like a burglar hiding).
- Allows other malware to gather information (e.g., identity information) without user knowledge.
Keyloggers
- Record everything typed on a computer.
- Collect login names, passwords, and sensitive information.
- Send collected information to the keylogging program's source.
Spyware
- Software that spies on users.
- Tracks internet activities to send advertising (adware) back to the system.
How Malware Spreads
- Malware needs triggering or execution to infect systems.
- Spread through social networks, pirated software, removable media, emails, and websites.
Malware Damages
- Data loss
- Account theft
- Botnets (networks of compromised computers)
- Financial losses
Malware Symptoms
- Increased CPU usage
- Slow computer/browser speeds
- Problems connecting to networks
- Freezing/crashing
- Modified/deleted files
- Strange files/programs/icons
- Unexpected program actions (running/turning off/reconfiguring; e.g., disabling antivirus)
- Strange computer behavior
- Automatically sent emails/messages (e.g., from a friend)
- Low available memory
- Disappearing/appearing files/programs
- Changed file names
Protecting from Malware
- Install protection software.
- Be cautious opening files from unknown/questionable sources.
- Don't open emails from unknown senders.
- Download files only from trusted sites.
- Install a firewall.
- Regularly scan for viruses.
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Description
Test your knowledge on malware types, their functions, and the potential damage they can cause. This quiz covers essential concepts in cyber security related to the different forms of malware, including backdoors, rootkits, and Trojans. Equip yourself with important information regarding detection, prevention, and the impact of malware.
