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Year 9 · Autumn 2 · Cybersecurity

Malware: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware

TheoryPresent ▶

What this lesson covers

Topic 17 Cybersecurity

KS3 Computing · Cybersecurity protects computers and data. Most attacks trick people or use weak systems, so good defences cover both.

Networks and Digital Communication Computer SystemsCambridge Lower Secondary Computing 0860

You will learn to

  • Explain what malware is: software made to cause harm.
  • Compare viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware and spyware: how each spreads and what it does.
  • Match each kind of malware to a defence that stops it.
  • Explain how WannaCry spread in 2017, and why updates and backups would have helped.

Success criteria

  • I can complete the card sort for all five kinds of malware.
  • I can say how a worm is different from a virus.
  • I can name the threat from a short description in the practice.

Key words

Say each word, then read what it means. Every one is in the glossary too.

Malware
Malicious software: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware.
Phishing
Fake messages that trick people into giving details.
Brute force
Trying every possible password until one works.
Encryption
Scrambling data so only someone with the key can read it.
Firewall
Checks network traffic and blocks what isn't allowed.

The explanation

Read it here, or open the study page below to go one step at a time with things to try.

Malware

Malware = malicious software.

TypeHow it worksPicture it as
VirusAttached to a file; spreads when people share itA cold from touching something
WormSpreads across networks by itselfA cold walking door to door
TrojanPretends to be useful so you install itThe Trojan horse
RansomwareLocks your files, demands paymentA kidnapper
SpywareSecretly records what you typeSomeone reading over your shoulder

Study it

Open the study page and go one step at a time.

Topic 17 · Year 9

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity protects computers and data. Most attacks trick people or exploit weak systems, so defences cover both.

Check yourself

One question at a time. The reason shows after each answer.

Saved on this device.