Cyber Security - Malware

Question 1

What is cyber security?

Answer 1

The aim to protect networks, data and computers against damage, cyber attack and unauthorised access

Question 2

Who can cyber attack target and why?

Answer 2

Individuals, organisations and even governments - to access lots of sensitive information

Question 3

What is malware?

Answer 3

Code that is designed to cause harm or gain unauthorised access to a computer system - usually without someone’s consent or knowledge

Question 4

How is malware usually installed on devices?

Answer 4

Downloaded in an email attachment
Hidden in USB drive (removable media)
Hidden on SD card (removable media)

Question 5

What is removable media?

Answer 5

Devices that can store information such as a USB drive or SD card

Question 6

What are typical actions of malware?

Answer 6

Deleting or modifying files
Locking files - ransomware
Displaying unwanted adverts that cannot be closed - adware
Monitoring the user - spyware
Altering permissions - give hackers administrator-level access to devices - rootkits

Question 7

What is ransomware?

Answer 7

Malware that encrypts all the files on a computer with the hacker demanding a large sum of money to be paid in exchange for a decryption key

Question 8

What is adware?

Answer 8

Malware thia displays adverts or pop-ups that can’t be closed

Question 9

What is spyware?

Answer 9

Malware that secretly tracks what the user does, allowing the hacker to potentially work out passwords or bank details

Question 10

What are rootkits?

Answer 10

Malware that can give hackers administer-level access to devices

Question 11

What are the different ways that malware can spread between devices?

Answer 11

Viruses
Worms
Trojans

Question 12

How do viruses spread between devices?

Answer 12

Viruses attach themselves to certain files
User spread them by copying the infected files
Users activate them by opening the infected files

Question 13

What are worms?

Answer 13

They are like viruses but self-replicate without user help - spread quickly and exploit weak network security

Question 14

What are trojans?

Answer 14

Malware disguised as legitimate software - don’t replicate - users install them without realising their hidden purpose

Question 15

What is pharming?

Answer 15

When the user is directed to a fake version of a website that looks just like the real thing, with the aim the user can’t tell the difference

Question 16

What is the aim of pharming?

Answer 16

When the user inputs their personal information, they are handing it to the criminals who can then access their genuine account

Question 17

How is pharming usually carried?

Answer 17

Using malware that automatically redirects people from legitimate sites to fake ones

Question 18

How can you prevent pharming?

Answer 18

Ensuring anti-malware software is up to date
Using web filters to prevent users from accessing fake websites