threat

threat

1. Malware

   • software designed to disrupt, damage and gain authorised access to a computer
   • short for 'malicous software'.
   • collective name for viruses, ransomware and spyware

2. computer virus

   • code capable of copying itself
   • replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code
   • changes how the computer works

3. rogue security software

   • makes user believe there is a virus on their computer
   • gets them to pay money for fake a virus remover
   • the fake malware removal tool puts malware on tp the computer
   • examples: winwebsec

4. trojan horse

   • named after greek mythology
   • malware disguised as a legitimate software, it disguises users of its true intent
   • infects other files

5. malicious spyware

   • gives the user the ability to spy on another's computer
   • transmites data from one's harddrive to another

6. botnet

   • a number of Internet-connected devices
     • each of which is running one or more bots
   • used to perform distributed denial-of-service attack, steal data, send spam
   • allows the attacker to access the device and its connection
   • examples: conficker, zeus, waledac botnet

7. spam

   • refers to unsolicted emails recieved by one and sent by another
   • also known as junk mail

8. Phishing

   • the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details
   • done by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication
   • Examples: Infected attachments, social media exploits

9. rootkit

   • a clandestine computer program
   • designed to provide continued privileged access to a computer while actively hiding its presence
   • Examples: Vanquish, Aphex and Hacker Defender