Malware is a broad category of software designed to harm systems, compromise privacy, or gain access without authorization. Understanding its definition and history helps explain how threats have changed from early self-replicating programs to modern attacks.
Malware, a combination of malicious and software, is software intentionally designed to disrupt or damage computers and networks, steal or expose private information, obtain unauthorized access, deny access to information, or interfere with security and privacy without the user's knowledge.
All flashcards
What is malware?
Software intentionally designed to disrupt or damage systems, steal information, gain unauthorized access, deny access, or otherwise interfere with security or privacy.
What was significant about von Neumann's work?
He showed that self-reproducing computer programs were theoretically possible, establishing an early foundation for thinking about computer viruses.
How does a computer virus commonly spread?
It embeds itself in another executable file or boot area and spreads when the infected program is run or the infected medium is used.
What distinguishes a worm from a virus?
A worm is standalone and can actively transmit itself over a network; a virus typically depends on being embedded in a file or program that is executed.
Name three historical or continuing malware delivery routes.
Examples include infected floppy disks, macro-enabled documents, email attachments, infected USB devices, and compromised supply chains.
Quiz questions
A program disguises itself as useful or legitimate software to persuade someone to install it. Which malware type best describes it?Answer: A Trojan horse
What distinguishes crypto ransomware from locker ransomware?Answer: Crypto ransomware encrypts files, while locker ransomware locks access to the system.
What does dynamic analysis do when assessing a potentially malicious program?Answer: It observes the program's behavior while it runs.
What does the principle of least privilege require?Answer: Give users and applications only the permissions needed for their tasks.
Why can removable media undermine an air gap?Answer: It can carry malware from a connected system into the isolated environment.
Based on the Wikipedia article Malware, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.