Viruses, Spyware , Malware and Phishing

Viruses, Spyware, Malware and Phishing

• Understand what a virus is and the different types of viruses which can infect a computer

• Know how to avoid viruses

• Understand how to remove a virus from a PC

Computer Virus

A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can replicate

themselves.

How do viruses spread?

You often download the virus without realising, it might be attached to a

another file, for example a picture or program you actually want.

How do viruses spread?

Viruses can be downloaded by opening an email attachment, never open an

email attachment from someone you do not know!

Spyware

Spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in

the background to someone else. Spyware can gather information about e-mail addresses

and even passwords and credit card number

Phishing

Phishing is when you receive an e-mail falsely claiming to be a legitimate

company in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be

used for identity theft. Often the e-mail directs you to visit

a website where you are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account

numbers. The Website, however, is bogus and set up only to steal your information.

Worms> Self replicating malware

>Uses a computer network to make copies of itself and infect computers

Trojan horse

• Software that will be downloaded for a useful purpose, e.g. Free software

• However, it also steals information or harms the system

How can you protect your PC?

• Install an anti-virus program

• Update software regularly

• Use strong passwords and keep them secret

• Never turn off your firewall

• Be cautious when downloading software or files fro the internet

ActivityChoose one of the viruses below. Use the internet to

find out:

• How is spread• What it did• How many computers were infected

Love bug worm Melissa computer virusNimda virusCode Red Bugbear Blaster

Quick Questions

Q1:What is a firewall?

A – Antivirus software

B – Software that logs internet activity

C – A filter for a internet connection

Q2:What is phishing?

A - decryption method that uses complex algorithms

B - A method of online identity theft

B - A way to send spam mail to millions of people at once

Q3: What is the best way to protect your PC?

A – To avoid using a USB drive with the computer

B - To install an up to date anti virus program from a trusted source

C – To avoid emails

KeywordsPhishing

Spam

Firewall

Virus

Network

Anti-virus

Malware

Spyware

Worm