Malicious software

Question 1

Trojan

Answer 1

Malware that seems to perform a desirable task but instead facilitates unauthorised access to the user’s computer

Question 2

Worm

Answer 2

A computer program that copies itself and spreads to other computers automatically. Unlike a virus, it does not need to be attached to another file. They cause damage to the network.
Example: email has a; love letter, you open it, and it causes the infected email to be sent to everyone in your address book.

Question 3

Virus

Answer 3

A harmful program that infects a file. It can only spread if a user sends the infected file to another computer.

Question 4

Antivirus

Answer 4

Software that monitors a computer or network to identify all major types of malware and prevent/stop/control malware incidents.

Question 5

Ransomware

Answer 5

Encrypts documents and lock users out of their devices. Blocks access to files until a ransom is paid.

Question 5

Malware/malicious software

Answer 5

Umbrella term to refer to various types of viruses, worms, trojans, etc. Often installed without a person realizing it.

Question 6

Another word for ransomware

Answer 6

Cryptoware

Question 7

Rootkit

Answer 7

Malicious code that loads early in a computer’s startup process. It hides from the operating system (OS) and anti-virus software, allowing a hacker to fully control and change the system.
It is code that changes a configuration file when the computer starts up. It then alters the file so the antivirus won’t detect other malware that tracks the user’s keyboard to steal passwords.

Question 8

Botnet

Answer 8

Botnet is short for robot network. It is a group of software robots that live on infected computers and are controlled by bad guys. Botnets can send spam, attack other computers, or send confidential data back to the botnet controller.

Question 9

What term is incorrectly used as an umbrella term for many types of viruses, harmful programs such as worms and trojans.

Answer 9

Virus