Malware
Computer Science: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 5.2.7
Types of Malware
Malware is any kind of malicious software that is installed without your knowledge or intent.
Viruses and worms
- Viruses:
- Small pieces of code injected into other programs which spread from computer to computer.
- Worms:
- Small pieces of code which spread across a network, similar to viruses but without a host program.
Trojan horses and ransomware
- Trojan horses:
- Any form of malware which tricks the user into installing it by pretending to be a different program.
- Ransomware:
- Encrypts files on an infected system and only decrypts files once a payment has been made to the hacker.
Spyware, rootkits, and backdoors
- Spyware:
- Gathers information about a user by tracking their activity.
- Rootkits:
- Modifies the computer's operating system to avoid detection by antivirus software.
- Backdoors:
- Opens up an access channel to a computer that other malware can use to take over the machine.
Test yourself on Malware
Which of these are types of malware?
What is a trojan horse?