module 5 Flashcards
(12 cards)
Learning Objectives:
Understand what malware is
Discuss different types of malware
Learn about countermeasures
Distinguish between viruses and worms
True or False: Malware is any software that is designed to protect a computer system.
Answer: False. Malware is any software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Contents Covered:
Definition of Malicious Software
Classification of Malicious Software
Security Against Malware
Virus vs. Worm
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of malware?
A. Virus
B. Worm
C. Firewall
D. Trojan Horse
Answer: C. Firewall
Short Answer: What distinguishes a Trojan horse from a virus?
Answer: A Trojan horse disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it, while a virus attaches itself to legitimate programs and requires user action to spread.
Multiple Choice: Which type of malware can replicate itself and spread without any user interaction?
A. Spyware
B. Worm
C. Virus
D. Adware
Answer: B. Worm
Short Answer: Explain one effective countermeasure to protect against malware.
Answer: Installing and regularly updating antivirus software is a key countermeasure. It helps detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software before it can cause harm.
True or False: Worms require a host file to spread from one system to another.
Answer: False. Unlike viruses, worms are standalone software that can spread independently.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the behavior of a logic bomb?
A. Automatically spreads over a network
B. Records user keystrokes
C. Executes a malicious function when specific conditions are met
D. Encrypts files for ransom
Answer: C. Executes a malicious function when specific conditions are met
Short Answer: Describe how viruses and worms differ in their propagation methods.
Answer: Viruses require user interaction (like opening a file) to spread, whereas worms exploit system vulnerabilities to spread automatically across networks.
Multiple Choice: What is the primary goal of ransomware?
A. To secretly monitor user activities
B. To destroy hardware components
C. To lock users out of systems or files and demand payment
D. To increase network performance
Answer: C. To lock users out of systems or files and demand payment
Essay-Like Prompt: Discuss the key differences between viruses and worms. How do these differences affect the way security professionals develop countermeasures?
Answer: Viruses attach themselves to files or programs and require user interaction to spread, while worms are self-replicating and spread without user intervention. These differences impact countermeasures—viruses can be mitigated through user education and file scanning, while worms require network-level defenses like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and patch management to close vulnerabilities they exploit.
