Malware and Cyber Security Quiz

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.