Cybersecurity Threats and Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering common cybersecurity threats, their methods of infection, their effects on a system, and recommended safety precautions.

Ransomware

A method that uses encryption to lock files or the entire system and demands financial payment to regain access.

Spyware

Software that installs secretly to monitor activity without control, records keystrokes to steal passwords, tracks habits, and generates pop-up ads.

Virus

A threat that attaches to host files and requires user activity to spread, resulting in corrupted, altered, or deleted files and programs.

Worm

A stand-alone program that replicates automatically over networks, consuming memory and bandwidth while slowing the system down.

Trojan

Malware disguised as legitimate software to deceive the user, creating a 'backdoor' for remote hijacking or data theft.

Ransomware Safety

Maintain regular and offline backups, avoid suspicious files, and download only from official sources.

Spyware Safety

Use anti-spyware tools and avoid unverified pop-up ads.

Virus Safety

Use antivirus software and scan external drives before opening.

Worm Safety

Install a firewall and keep the operating system updated.