Malware Part 2

You received an e-mail message from someone you don't know.

The e-mail requests you to click a link and provide some information.

It says that in exchange, you will receive access to a site that offers incredible deals on popular items, up to 90 percent off retail cost.

This offer sounds too good to be true. What type of security threat have you encountered?

• Pharming

• Trojan

• Virus

• Phishing

A website you are visiting has a flashing advertisement in the sidebar, telling you that viruses have been detected, and you need to "clean" your computer.

You click on the advertisement, a few more popups appear, which you click through.

They tell you the computer is now clean.

However, in the next few days, you notice your computer is behaving strangely.

A careful review indicates several new programs have been installed, without your knowledge.

What kind of security problem has occurred?

• Spyware has modified your browser to show you more popups

• A worm has replicated several different programs

• A virus allowed a hacker access to your computer

• A Trojan installed unwanted programs

Which of the following best describes strong password practices?

• Ideal password length should be 4 to 6 characters.

• Passwords should contain no punctuation or symbols.

• You can use the same "all-purpose" password on multiple sites if they do not contain your private information.

• Passwords should contain no personal identifying information such as a birthdate or pet name.

A pop up appears the first time you are visiting a game Web site.

It states that you are the 100,000th unique visitor to the site and have won the latest gaming console.

It asks for your name, age and address, as well as a few other pieces of personal information, so that it can mail you the prize.

What should you do?

• Do not input any information, close the pop up and leave the Web site.

• Make sure that you have the latest anti-virus software installed and then proceed with filling out the information.

• Ask your friends if they have ever received the same pop-up from the game site and how they responded.

• Fill out the information, but be careful not to include financial information.

Gwen has a hard time remembering her passwords.

Her best friend recommends that she try her technique.

She uses her first name followed by the digits for her address, such as gwen5336.

Is this good advice?

• No, passwords should not contain personal identifying information such as names, birthdates or addresses.

• No, ideal password length should be 4 to 6 characters.

• Yes, the password is strong because it has letters and numbers.

• Yes, passwords should be easy to remember.

Why is it the most important reason to be careful when choosing the apps that you will install on your mobile phone, or any other computing device?

• Because some apps have limited trial periods and then you must pay for them

• Because some apps are free

• Because some apps cost more than they should

• Because some apps are designed to steal your personal information

Herman tells you that his computer has suddenly started to display random messages on screen.

It has also stopped responding to keyboard and mouse input.

Which of the following do you suspect has occurred?

• The computer has been infected by adware.

• The computer has been infected by spyware.

• The computer has been infected with phishing.

• The computer has been infected with a virus.

You are downloading and installing an application from the Internet.

Which of the following is a best practice that you should follow to prevent installing malware accidently?

• Scan the application file with your anti-virus program before downloading.

• Scan the application while downloading is in progress.

• Once the application has finished installing, scan the program prior to using.

• When prompted to save, download the application instead of running it.

Which of the following is a cyber-safety technique that you should use to protect yourself and your computer system from harm?

• Store personal information on the computer or mobile device.

• Always trust any adults that you meet online.

• Always ask permission from content owners before downloading files.

• Never share your passwords with anyone.

Mr. Silverman says there is one simple thing that you can do that will protect yourself and your computer from malicious intent, even from people you know.

What is that one thing?

• Never share your passwords with anyone except your parents.

• Never use a public computer.

• Never allow people you don't know to e-mail you.

• Never download updates from the Internet.