SCL 2 : COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Question 2:

Discuss different types of threats and malicious program (malware) that can damage a computer, mobile devices or disrupt any system.

Search for information on current known malware program. Based on information that you have found, create a table to list different types of malware, what it does and how it can repaired or removed. These information is useful for you to prevent any malware from damage your computer system. 

Illustration of a Trojan horse

TROJAN HORSE

Trojan horse is defining as a malicious, security-breaking program that is disguised as something benign. For example, when you download what appear to be a music file from the internet but then you click on it, you unleash a program which do harmful things to your personal computer such as deleting your disk or letting someone to hijack your computer and commit crime from a remote location.

Computer viruses

Computer virus is programs that spreads malicious code by copying itself and infecting host computers and corrupt the computer system. Most viruses attached themselves to emails and media files such as CD, DVD and USB drivers that allow the virus to be downloaded when the files are opened.

Worms

Worms are similar to viruses which spread from computer to computer and disturb it. But unlike virus, worm can travel without any human action. Worms utilizes a computer network to send replicas of itself to connecting computes on that network.

ADWARE

Adware, also known advertising-supported software is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program itself is running. Basically, the functions may be designed to analyze which Internet sites the user visits and to present advertising pertinent to the types of goods or services featured there. The term is sometimes used to refer to software that displays unwanted advertisements.

SPYWARE

Spyware is installed secretly on a computer system that collects and sends information about its usage and other confidential and personal data to the developer in an unethical manner. Basically, spyware is a tool that spammers use to attain personal information about users which is exploited and harvested without the user's consent and can be used to invade your privacy and compromise your personal data. They can collect personal information from your machine and also monitor your internet website viewing habits.

SUMMARIZATION ON TYPE OF MALWARE AND HOW CAN IT BE REPAIRED

Type of malware	What it does perform?	How it can be repaired or removed?
Computer viruses	To corrupt the computer system	Installing and running antivirus or antimalware programs
Worms	Worms utilizes a computer network to send replicas of itself to connecting computes on that network.	Using malware removing tools
Trojan horse	Trojan presented to the user as a form of a free useful software or add-on, once installed the Trojan gives access to hacker then carry out their criminal operations on the target computer from remote station.	It can removed either manually or using antivirus software program.
Spyware	It is installed secretly on a computer system that collects and sends information about its usage and other confidential and personal data to the developer in an unethical manner.	It can be repaired using antispyware tools.
Adware	The program is designed to display advertisements on a computer system.	Adware can be removed using trusted antispyware and antimalware software.

By:
Norazuwa Ramnor

Nurul Ain Zafirah Latif