INTERNET SAFETY | MALWARE

​INTERNET SAFETY

Malware and ​Online Protection

​WHAT IS MALWARE?

​What is Malware?

Malware is short for “malicious software.”

Malicious - means to cause any act of harm.

Software - ​is any program created to run on a computer device.

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Malware is refered to as "any harmful software developed to steal data and damage or destroy computers.

​Examples of common malware include:

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• ​viruses,

• worms,

• trojan viruses,

• spyware,

• adware, and

• ransomware.

​HOW DOES MALWARE AFFECT A DEVICE?

​Malware programs can affect devices in many ways. They can:

• steal passwords,

• delete files,

• collect personal information,

• or even stop a computer from working at all.

​HACKERS

​Who Are They?

​"A hacker is someone who tries to get into another person's device without permission, using some form of computer software.

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Anyone who does something illegal with a device​ that doesnt belong to them or they did not have permission to use is also considered to be a hacker.

​How does hacking work?

• How do devices get hacked?

• Why do people hack devices?

• How do you protect your devices from hackers?

​how do devices get hacked?

​Hackers try to gain access into computers, phones, tablets and other devices by looking for areas of weaknesses such as:

• devices with no passwords

• ​devices with weak passwords

• devices with no anti-virus

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