1.4 Security Threats

What is a virus?

Is a malicious software that spreads through a computer system causing damage to the software.

Name an example of a virus.

Worm and Trojan horse are 2 examples of a virus.

What is Worm Virus?

Can replicate itself and spread from system to system by finding a weakness in the software.

• It can spread quickly

• Does not require human interaction to first start spreading

Name 2 qualities of a Worm Virus.

1)Can spread quickly

2) It does not require human interaction to start spreading

What is a Trojan Horse Virus?

Is a harmful program that looks legitimate so users are tricked into installing it .

• Does not self replicate of infect other files

• Give attackers access to your entire computer system

Name 2 qualities of a Trojan Horse Virus

1) Does not self replicate or infect other files

2) Give attackers access to entire system

What is malware?

Is a harmful program that seeks damage or unauthorised access to your computer system

Name 3 examples of malware.

Spyware, Keyloggers and Ransomware

What is Spyware?

Secretly records the activities of a user on a computer.

• Steals passwords, credit cards information and usernames

• All info is secretly passed to the hacker

Name 2 qualities of Spyware

1) Steals passwords, credit cards information and usernames

2) All info is secretly passed to the hacker

What is a key logger?

Secretly records every keystroke made by a user on a computer .

• Records passwords , usernames and credit card information.

• Can be downloaded or plugged into a USB port

Name 2 qualities of a Key logger.

1) Records passwords , usernames and credit card information.

2) Can be downloaded or plugged into a USB port

What is ransomware?

Locks files on a computer system using encryption so a user can no longer access it . Attacks will usually ask for a sum of money to give access back to a computer system.