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Malware and cyberattacks
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Cyberattacks use clever software and even cleverer tricks on people. Knowing how they work is the first defence.
Types of malware
Technical weaknesses
Hackers exploit unpatched software: known security holes that have not been fixed by an update.
Out-of-date anti-malware cannot spot the newest threats.
Infected USB devices can carry malware between computers, and unencrypted network traffic can be intercepted (eavesdropping).
Out-of-date anti-malware cannot spot the newest threats.
Infected USB devices can carry malware between computers, and unencrypted network traffic can be intercepted (eavesdropping).
Social engineering
Tricking people rather than computers.
Phishing: fake emails or messages that look genuine, to steal details or spread malware.
Pharming: redirecting users to a fake website that looks real.
Shoulder surfing: watching someone type a PIN or password.
Blagging (pretexting): inventing a story to persuade someone to hand over information.
Phishing: fake emails or messages that look genuine, to steal details or spread malware.
Pharming: redirecting users to a fake website that looks real.
Shoulder surfing: watching someone type a PIN or password.
Blagging (pretexting): inventing a story to persuade someone to hand over information.
An email claiming to be from a bank asks you to click a link and 'confirm your password'. What is this and how should you respond?
- It is phishing: a fake message trying to steal your details.
- Do not click the link; contact the bank using its official website or number.
Answer: Phishing; ignore the link and contact the bank directly
Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware and key loggers. Attackers exploit unpatched software and old anti-malware, and use social engineering such as phishing, pharming and shoulder surfing.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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