Chapter 2 - Viruses and Worms

Question 1

beneficial virus

Answer 1

a self-replicating program that is used to combat malicious programs

Question 2

malicious program

Answer 2

any program that is designed to cause harm or annoyance

Question 3

rootkit

Answer 3

a program that modifies a computer’s operating system to conceal malicious programs

Question 4

system sector

Answer 4

the area of a disk that is executed when a computer is booted

Question 5

virus

Answer 5

a self-replicating program that produces its own code by attaching copies of itself to other executable code

Question 6

virus hoax

Answer 6

a false report concerning a nonexistent virus

Question 7

virus signature

Answer 7

the pattern of code by which a virus can be identified

Question 8

worm

Answer 8

a malicious program that can infect both local and remote machines. Worms spread automatically by infecting system after sytem.

Question 9

zero day attack

Answer 9

a previously unknown malware application, for which no antivirus signature or patch has yet been developed

Question 10

What are the three best methods for virus detection?

Answer 10

Scanning, integrity checking and interception

Question 11

Why are some viruses classified as hybrids?

Answer 11

Viruses can overlap in how they operate following into multiple categories.

Question 12

What do macro viruses target?

Answer 12

Programs that have macro capability coding.

Question 13

What phases are part of a virus’s life cycle?

Answer 13

Infection and attack

Question 14

What are the psychological damages caused by viruses?

Answer 14

Trust issues creating frustration and lack of trust with computers.

Question 15

Give 3 motivations for writing a virus.

Answer 15

Research, vandalism, attack products of specific companies, financial gain, political messages, espionage.