Theory question 102
Computer VirusPaper 2, Essay questions
(a) (i) What is malware in computing? (ii) List three types of malware. (b) State three symptoms of malware infection. (c) Give two ways of preventing malware infection.
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(a)(i) Malware (malicious software) is any program designed to harm a computer or its user, steal data or gain unauthorised access.
(ii) Any three: virus; worm; Trojan horse; spyware; adware; ransomware; rootkit.
(b) Any three: the computer becomes slow; frequent crashes or freezing; unexplained pop-up adverts; files missing or corrupted; strange error messages; browser home page changed.
(c) Any two: install and regularly update antivirus; scan flash drives and downloads before opening; avoid pirated software and suspicious links/attachments; use a firewall; keep the operating system updated.
Symptoms are things the user notices on the computer.