Computer Crimes Flashcards
Define Spam
- Any kind of unwanted, unsolicited digital communication that gets sent in bulk
- Often Spam is sent via email, but it can be distributed via text messages, phone calls, or social media
Ways to AVOID Spam
• be mindful of the emails you open
• install an antivirus software on your device
• if you are accustomed receiving emails from a certain ‘class’ or ‘group’ of persons and you suddenly receive a suspicious email, more than likely that email could be spam & you are advised not to open it
Malware
• Short for ‘Malicious Software’
• this is a category of programs that are designed to infiltrate or harm computer systems
• Malware is used to commit fraud, send spam or steal data.
• Malware includes:
Viruses
Worms
Spyware
Trojans
Way to AVOID Malware
• be mindful of the software you download
• do NOT click on strange pop-ups or ads
• download an antivirus software on your device
Viruses (Malware)
• type of Malware
• A malicious program that is capable of reproducing itself
• can corrupt or delete data on a computer system
• if you insert a flash drive in a computer with a virus on it, the virus will copy itself on the flash drive & infect all other devices you plug it into thereafter
• viruses can also spread via emails
• this is also called a ‘worm’
Ways to AVOID Viruses (Malware)
• purchase & install an antivirus software on your device
• be careful of the flash drives you inject into your device, the sites you visit & the emails you open
• if your computer becomes infected with a virus, u should active ur antivirus software to deactivate the virus or reset ur device to ‘factory default’
• AVOID sharing ur files on ur device or try to have a backup
Trojan Horses (Malware)
• A stand-alone malicious FILE or PROGRAM that does NOT attempt to inject itself into other files UNLIKE viruses.
• instead, it MASKS itself as a LEGITIMATE program or file to trick the user to open or download the file & cause damage thereafter
Ways to AVOID Trojan Horses
• Research the software you are going to download or the site you are going to visit
• Observe the site. If it does not have the lock, it is not a secure website & u should NOT use it or enter ur details on the site
Spyware (Malware)
- A type of malware that collects ur personal info & gathers data abt u without ur consent
Ways to AVOID Spyware
• be weary of the sites u enter ur personal info into
• be weary of posting personal photos of yourself, family or friends online. You never know who is watching & will use for malicious reasons
Ransomware (Malware)
• A form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files & the systems that rely on them unusable.
• Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption
Ways to AVOID Ransomware
- install either an antivirus software or a firewall
What is a firewall?
- Acts as a filter between the public internet connection we received from either from either Amplia, Digicel Play, Flow & our personal devices
- Blocks all dangerous threats floating around the internet from entering into our computer via the internet
Adware (Malware)
- A type of malicious software
- Secretly installs itself on your device & displays unwanted advertisements & pop-ups
- In some cases Adware can even track your online behavior & display personalized ads.
Ways to AVOID Adware
- Do NOT click on strange pop-ups or ads
- Download an antivirus software on your device
- If you do see an ‘enticing’ ad appear on you screen, ignore it