The areas of computer ethics, security, and crime are constantly changing as technology advances. For this assignment, we will focus on computer crime, primarily focused around malicious software and viruses. Students are expected to research the topic and submit their findings in a properly formatted and cited academic research paper.
The definition of malware
Symptoms of malware
Provide at least two examples of two types of malware:
A detailed description of what Spyware is and an example of how it has been used and what damage or problems or costs it caused
A detailed description of what viruses are and an example of how it has been used and what damage or problems or costs it caused
Prevention and removal of unwanted software
Discuss why malware is a problem and why average computer users should be aware of it
Sample Answer
Understanding Malware: Definition, Impact, and Prevention
The Definition of Malware
Malware is a contraction of malicious software. It is defined as any software program or file developed with the intent to cause damage, disrupt operations, gain unauthorized access, or steal data from a computer system, server, or network. Malware is a broad term encompassing many different types of threats, including viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware.
Symptoms of Malware
An average computer user should be aware of several common symptoms that indicate their system may be infected with malware:
Slow Performance: The computer runs unusually slow, hangs, or freezes frequently.
Pop-up Ads: An overwhelming number of unsolicited advertisements appear, especially when the browser is closed.
Unusual Network Activity: High network traffic is observed even when the computer is idle, suggesting data is being sent out.
System Crashes (Blue Screens): Frequent and unexplained system errors or reboots.
Changes to Settings: The browser homepage, search engine, or firewall settings are changed without the user's permission.
Missing or Corrupted Files: Files become inaccessible or are deleted.
New, Unfamiliar Programs: The appearance of unknown icons on the desktop or programs running in the background.
Examples of Malware Types
We will examine two primary categories of malware: Spyware and Viruses.
1. Spyware
Description: Spyware is a type of malware designed to secretly observe and record a user's activity without their knowledge or consent. It typically monitors web browsing habits, captures credentials (usernames and passwords), credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.
Mechanism: Spyware can be installed by bundling it with legitimate software downloads or by exploiting web browser vulnerabilities. Once installed, it runs silently in the background, logging keystrokes (keylogging) and transmitting the gathered data back to the attacker.
Real-World Example (Banking Trojans): A common type of spyware is a Banking Trojan (e.g., Zeus or Gameover ZeuS). These tools wait for a user to log into a financial website. Once the user enters their credentials, the spyware captures them and may even alter the transactions in real-time before the information is displayed to the user.