Malware, hacking and social engineering

Overview

Viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware and key loggers, technical vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, and social engineering through phishing and pretexting.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is malware?

   Model answer

   Malware is software designed to damage a system, steal data or gain unauthorised access. The word is short for malicious software.

2. 2

   What is a virus?

   Model answer

   A virus is malware that attaches itself to a file or program. The virus spreads when the infected file is shared and opened.

3. 3

   What is a worm?

   Model answer

   A worm is malware that copies itself and spreads across a network on its own. A worm does not need to attach to a file or wait for a user to open anything.

4. 4

   How does a worm differ from a virus?

   Model answer

   A virus needs a user to run an infected file before it spreads. A worm spreads by itself from computer to computer.

5. 5

   What is a Trojan?

   Model answer

   A Trojan is malware disguised as a useful program. The user installs it willingly, and the Trojan then harms the system or opens a way in for attackers.

6. 6

   What is ransomware?

   Model answer

   Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim's files so they cannot be used. The attacker then demands payment for the key to unlock them.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.