Ransomware

• Malware that makes a computer’s data inaccessible until a ransom is paid.

• It invades a computer by a Trojan or worm.

• It encrypts the victim’s data files.

Spectre and Meltdown

• It allows hackers to make changes to a computer’s operating system.

• Meltdown and Spectre exploit the hardware’s vulnerability of microprocessors

Rootkits

• A type of malware that hides in the system and is triggered each time you boot your computer. It allows a remote user to:

  • Install rogue files

  • Delete filles

  • Use and take control of your computer.

• There are different types of rootkits:

  • Firmware or hardware

  • Bootloader

  • Memory

  • Virtual

Zombies

• A computer that has been secretly taken over by an outsider typically using a rootkit.

• Botnet (Zombie army) - A group of compromised computers controlled by a hacker.

• They’re used to transmit spam messages from different IP addresses.

DoS and DDoS Attacks

• DoS - Denial of Service

• It’s an attack on a network that is designed to interrupt or stop network traffic by flooding it with too many requests.

• DDoS - Distributed Denial of Service

• It launches a virus on a computer.

Spyware

• It’s a software that collects information about your Internet surfing habits and behaviors.

Keystroke Loggers

• A form of spyware that records all actions typed on a keyboard.

  • Can be used on phones

  • Can be hardware devices or software apps.

  • Can record passwords and confidential information

Packet Sniffers

• Specialized hardware or software that captures packets transmitted over a network.

• There are two types of sniffers:

  • Legitimate sniffers - Used for routine examination and problem detection.

  • Unauthorized sniffers - Used to steal information.

Online Nuisances

Spam

• Unsolicited e-mail message.

• 50% of emails sent daily are spam.

• To solve this, use a spam filter.

• Spam filter - A computer software designed to prevent spam messages from entering an user’s e-mail inbox.

Phishing

• The illegitimate use of an e-mail message that appears to be from an established organization such as a bank, financial institution, or insurance company.

• These directs users to a fake website where they are asked to enter or update their information.

Pharming

• A type of phishing that seeks to obtain personal information through malicious software that is deposited on a victim’s computer.

Adware

• Software that collects the user’s web browsing history. It tracks the types of websites you visit and provides customized ads based on your browsing behavior.

Cookies

• A small text file of information created by a website and stored by your web browser on your hard disk.