16/02/2024

Computer Malware
Chapter 10

Software is a group of programs that help us to work on a computer.

But some people create software to stop the computer from functioning properly,
such software that is harmful for the computer is called malware.
Malware - Malicious software
You should protect your computer from such software.
Malware includes –
 Viruses
 Worms
 Trojan Horse
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VIRUS
It is a malware that spreads itself from one computer to another and interferes with normal
operation of a computer.
Virus can attach to any type of file and spread when these infected files are copied to other
computers.
A virus requires human action to spread itself.
This can be spread by sharing infected files or sending them as email attachments.
There can be harmless viruses which will cause mild annoying effects such as displaying
unwanted messages.
Other viruses can be dangerous to your computer which will delete files, destroy data and
prevent your computer from booting.

Symptoms of a computer virus

 Computer runs slower than usual and takes longer time to load programs
 Programs behave erratically and computer stops responding
 Computer crashes and restart every few minutes
 New files appear on the system and display strange names
 Unable to access files or contents may get deleted.
 Notice unusual and strange error messages (‘Your PC is stoned’)
 New icons appear on the desktop and strange graphics are displayed on the
monitor
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WORM
Computer network is formed when two or more computers are connected to one
another.
Worm is a malware that use computer networks to send copies of itself to other
computers on the network.
Worm can spread an infected file without human intervention and it replicates
without the knowledge of the user.
This can cause severe harm to the network such as blocking the network and
reducing its speed.

TROJAN HORSE
It appears to be a useful software but will actually cause damage once installed
or executed on your computer.
After installing it allows unauthorised access to the computer.
This is dangerous because it allows your computer to be remotely controlled by
someone and it may lead to loss of personal and confidential information.
This will affect to the performance, may harm to the data and speed of the
computer.
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How does the computer get infected

 CDs, DVDs or pen drives

 Internet

 Email attachments

 Computer networks

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
Used to protect a computer from all types of malware.
It can detect viruses, worms etc., and warns you of their presence in your
computer.
It can deactivate the malware and clean the computer from different types of
malicious software.
You can install antivirus software and it can be used to scan the computer system
for malware.
It shows a warning message if you try to copy an infected file to your computer.
This should be updated regularly to handle new threats.

Eg: Norton McAfee AVG Avira

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Protecting the computer

 Use original Operating Systems

 Use an Antivirus software

 Update the antivirus software regularly

 Beware of email attachments from unknown sources

 Do no download pirated software, songs, movies, games

 Visit trustworthy websites

 Scan all email attachments and files from CDs, DVDs before
running or storing them on your computer.