Malware

Question 1

Malware

Answer 1

Short for malicious software, this is programming or code that is used to disrupt computers by:
● Gathering sensitive information
● Gaining access to private computer systems
● Displaying unwanted advertising
● Distributing the performance of a computer or network

Question 2

Trojan

Answer 2

A malicious computer program that tricks users into willingly running it is called a ‘Trojan horse’ or simply a ‘Trojan’. They can be delivered via internet downloads, infected USBs, or email attachments.

Question 3

Zombie

Answer 3

A computer connected to the internet that has been compromised by a hacker, computer virus, or Trojan horse program and can be used to perform malicious tasks under remote direction.

Question 4

Data breach/data interception

Answer 4

A data breach is a security incident in which sensitive, protected, or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an individual who is not authorised to do so.

Question 5

Brute force attack

Answer 5

This type of attack can occur when an attacker systematically submits guessed passwords with the hope of eventually guessing correctly.

Question 6

Virus

Answer 6

Malware that usually embeds itself into existing software on a device and then, once that software is run, spreads to other executable files.

Question 7

Worm

Answer 7

While also self-replicating, a worm does not need to infect an existing program. Worms are able to spread very rapidly, infecting large numbers of machines.

Question 8

Ransomware

Answer 8

This type of Trojan can modify data on a computer or device so that it doesn’t run correctly or so that users can no longer use specific data. The criminal will only restore the computer’s performance, or unblock data, after the victim has paid them the ransom money they demand.

Question 9

Spyware

Answer 9

Programs that can spy on how a user makes use of their computer or device, for example by tracking the data entered via a keyboard, taking screenshots, or getting a list of running applications.

Question 10

Adware

Answer 10

Software that contains advertisements embedded in the application. It is not always a bad thing and is considered a legitimate alternative offered to consumers who do not wish to pay for software.

Question 11

Exploit

Answer 11

Code that takes advantage of a security vulnerability in an operating system, application, or any other software code, including application plug-ins or software libraries.