20. AQA GCSE (8525) SLR4 – 3.6 Malware

What is malware?

• A secure software used for data protection

• A programming language

• A type of computer hardware

• A catch-all umbrella term for various forms of hostile or intrusive software

Answer explanation

Malware is a catch-all umbrella term for various forms of hostile or intrusive software, not a secure software, programming language, or computer hardware.

Which of the following is NOT a type of malware you need to know for the exam?

• Spyware

• Computer viruses

• Freeware

• Trojans

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Freeware because it is not a type of malware, unlike Spyware, Computer viruses, and Trojans which are all types of malware.

What is a computer virus?

• A piece of code capable of copying itself with a detrimental effect

• A digital certificate for website authentication

• A software that protects against unauthorized access

• A secure online transaction method

Answer explanation

A computer virus is a piece of code capable of copying itself with a detrimental effect, causing harm to computer systems.

How can computer viruses be introduced to systems?

• Accidentally or with malicious intent

• Through verified online purchases

• Through secure email attachments

• By using antivirus software

Answer explanation

Computer viruses can be introduced to systems accidentally or with malicious intent, making it important to be cautious while using the internet and downloading files.

What is a Trojan?

• A secure web browser

• A firewall protection system

• A program that appears harmless but is malicious

• A type of antivirus software

Answer explanation

A Trojan is a program that appears harmless but is malicious, deceiving users into unknowingly installing it and causing harm to their systems.

What might happen when you download a game from an untrusted site?

• Your computer speed increases

• A Trojan installs a backdoor on your system

• You receive a reward from the game developer

• You get a discount on future purchases

Answer explanation

Downloading a game from an untrusted site can lead to a Trojan installing a backdoor on your system, compromising your security and privacy.

What is spyware?

• A program that helps in file sharing

• Software that enhances computer performance

• A tool for software development

• Software that obtains information covertly from another's computer

Answer explanation

Spyware is software that obtains information covertly from another's computer, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

How can spyware be installed on a computer?

• By installing antivirus software

• Via a backdoor installed by a Trojan

• Through encrypted email communications

• Through regular software updates

Answer explanation

Spyware can be installed on a computer via a backdoor installed by a Trojan. This allows unauthorized access to the system, leading to the installation of spyware.

What type of information can spyware collect?

• Only credit card numbers

• Only internet surfing habits

• Only email addresses

• Email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, keystrokes, and more

Answer explanation

Spyware can collect email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, keystrokes, and more, not just limited to one type of information.

One way to protect against malware is:

• Ignoring software updates

• Regularly updating software

• Decreasing code quality

• Using older versions of software

Answer explanation

Regularly updating software helps protect against malware by ensuring that security patches and fixes are applied to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.