How Malware Spreads
Computer Science: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 5.2.8
How Malware Spreads
Malware uses clever techniques to spread across a network as fast as possible. The faster malware can spread, the more likely it is to be able to affect machines before it can be detected.
Installations
- Users often willingly install malware if they are tricked into thinking that they are installing a different piece of software.
- Common 'disguises' for malware include:
- Security updates.
- Software drivers.
Attachments
- Opening attachments in emails such as Word and Excel documents can include 'macros'.
- A macro is a small program that is given permission to run on the computer.
- The macros can be set up to install malware.
Replication
- Once one device on a network has been infected with a worm or a virus, then it becomes very easy for it to spread to other devices on the network.
- The process of spreading to other computers is called self-replication.
Test yourself on How Malware Spreads
What is a macro?