Malware Payload Capabilities

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Questions and Answers

What is adware typically known for displaying?

logic bombs

advertising banners and pop-up ads (correct)

objectionable content

backdoors

Why do users often disapprove of adware?

Due to frequent popup ads (correct)

Due to the risk of a logic bomb

Due to potential data loss

All of the above

What is the primary function of a backdoor?

To circumvent normal security to give program access (correct)

To trigger a logic bomb

To display advertising content

To delete data on the computer

What is a characteristic of a logic bomb?

It lies dormant until triggered by a specific event Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of frequent popup ads?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic among adware, backdoors, and logic bombs?

They are all malware Signup and view all the answers

How do backdoors affect security settings?

They bypass security settings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with logic bombs?

They are difficult to detect Signup and view all the answers

What is a bot or zombie in the context of cyber attacks?

A computer under the remote control of an attacker Signup and view all the answers

What is a group of zombie computers called?

A botnet Signup and view all the answers

How do infected zombie computers receive instructions from the attacker?

Through a command and control (C&C) structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common C&C mechanism used today?

HTTP Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of botnets?

To send spam emails Signup and view all the answers

How can botnets be used to spread malware?

By downloading and executing a file sent by the attacker Signup and view all the answers

Why can each bot's vote in an online poll be considered credible?

Because each bot has a unique IP address Signup and view all the answers

What can bots do in an online poll?

Cast a vote as a real person Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of malware's payload capabilities?

To collect, delete, or modify data Signup and view all the answers

What type of malware is designed to gather information without user consent?

Spyware Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Keylogger?

To capture and store keystrokes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Spyware and Adware?

Spyware is used to collect personal information, while Adware is used to display ads Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal of malware's payload capabilities?

To collect data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of modifying system security settings?

To give the attacker access to the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of malware's payload capabilities to launch attacks?

To launch attacks on other systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a Keylogger capturing keystrokes?

The attacker can access the user's personal information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a botnet attack on a web server?

To overwhelm the server with requests Signup and view all the answers

What is social engineering?

A means of gathering information for an attack by relying on the weaknesses of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of psychological approaches in social engineering attacks?

To persuade the victim to provide information or take action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a technique used by attackers to gain trust in psychological approaches?

Providing a reason Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a psychological approach in social engineering attacks?

Phishing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a watering hole attack?

To infect a group of people with malware Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a successful botnet attack on a web server?

The web server is unable to respond to legitimate requests Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between psychological approaches and physical procedures in social engineering attacks?

Psychological approaches are used to persuade the victim to provide information, while physical procedures are used to gain physical access Signup and view all the answers

What is tailgating in the context of security?

Following behind an authorized individual through an access door Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ransomware?

To prevent a user's device from functioning properly until a fee is paid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a rootkit?

To hide its presence or the presence of other malware on a computer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of spyware?

To collect data from a user's computer and make it available to the attacker Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a successful piggybacking attempt?

An unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for watching an authorized user enter a security code on a keypad?

Shoulder surfing Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of malware?

Malicious software that enters a computer system without the owner's knowledge or consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of worms and viruses?

They are types of malware that spread to other computers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Payload Capabilities

Malware's destructive power lies in its payload capabilities, which include:
- Collecting data
- Deleting data
- Modifying system security settings
- Launching attacks

Collecting Data

Malware that collects data includes:
- Spyware
- Adware
Spyware:
- Gathers information without user consent
- Uses computer resources to collect and distribute personal or sensitive information
- Keylogger captures and stores each keystroke, allowing attackers to search for useful information
Adware:
- Delivers unwanted advertising content
- Displays advertising banners and pop-up ads
- Can slow computers, cause crashes, and lead to data loss
- Users disapprove of adware due to unwanted content, frequent popup ads, and nuisance

Deleting Data

Logic bombs:
- Lie dormant until triggered by a specific logical event
- Difficult to detect before triggering
- Often embedded in large computer programs that are not routinely scanned

Modifying System Security

Backdoors:
- Give access to a computer, program, or service, circumventing normal security
- Allow attackers to return and bypass security settings

Launching Attacks

Bots or zombies:
- Infected computers under remote control of an attacker
- Gathered into a botnet, controlled by a bot herder
- Infected computers wait for instructions through a command and control structure
Types of attacks:
- Spamming
- Spreading malware and creating new bots
- Manipulating online polls
- Denial of Service (DoS) attacks

Social engineering:
- Means of gathering information for an attack by relying on individual weaknesses
- Involves psychological and physical procedures
Psychological approaches:
- Goal is to persuade victims to provide information or take action
- Techniques include:
  - Providing a reason
  - Projecting confidence
  - Using evasion and diversion
  - Making the victim laugh
- Approaches often involve impersonation, phishing, spam, hoaxes, and watering hole attacks

Physical Approaches

Tailgating:
- Following behind an authorized individual through an access door
- Piggybacking with an unauthorized person
- Shoulder surfing to watch an authorized user enter a security code

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Description

This quiz covers the destructive power of malware, focusing on its primary payload capabilities such as collecting data, deleting data, modifying system security settings, and launching attacks.