The terms "virus" and "malware" are often used interchangeably. However, they are technically different, so the question of malware vs. viruses is an important one. Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software, regardless of how it works, its intent, or how it’s distributed. A virus is a specific type of malware that self-replicates by inserting its code into other programs. Computer viruses have been prominent since almost the beginning of the commercial internet: The first one was created in 1982 for the Apple II, and other versions quickly followed. Viruses spread by attaching themselves to legitimate files and programs, and are distributed through infected websites, flash drives, and emails. A victim activates a virus by opening the infected application or file. Once activated, a virus may delete or encrypt files, modify applications, or disable system functions.
There are many different types of viruses. These are the three most common examples:
Besides viruses, multiple other types of malware can infect not only desktops, laptops, and servers, but also smartphones. Malware categories include the following:
Because so many types of malware and viruses are in the wild—and cybercriminals are creating more every day—most antimalware and antivirus solutions rely on multiple methods to detect and block suspicious files. The four main types of malware detection are:
IT security professionals can augment their organization's malware and virus defenses by updating and patching applications and platforms. Patches and updates are especially critical for preventing fileless malware, which targets application vulnerabilities and cannot be easily detected with antimalware solutions. Likewise, implementing and encouraging data security best practices can be valuable in preventing data breaches. Basic best practices for password management and role-based access to data and applications, for example, can minimize the odds of a hacker gaining access to a system and limit a hacker's ability to do damage if they gain access. Regular security updates for employees can also help them spot potential threats and remind employees to practice good security hygiene. More Ransomware Articles
Question A polymorphic virus changes its internal code to one of a set number of predefined mutations whenever it is executed. Question A remote access Trojan has the basic functionality of a Trojan but also gives the threat actor unauthorized remote access to the victim's computer by using specially configured communication protocols. Question A rootkit can hide its presence, but not the presence of other malware. Question A series of instructions that can be grouped together as a single command and are often used to automate a complex set of tasks or a repeated series of tasks are known as: Answer
Question A virus self-replicates on the host computer and spreads to other computers by itself. Question A virus that infects an executable program file is known as? Answer
Question How many different Microsoft Windows file types can be infected with a virus? Question Malware is software that enters a computer system with the user's knowledge or consent and then performs an unwanted and harmful action. Question Malware that locks or prevents a device from functioning properly until a fee has been paid is known as: Answer
Question Once the malware reaches a system through circulation, then it must embed itself into that system. Question One of the armored virus infection techniques utilizes encryption to make virus code more difficult to detect, in addition to separating virus code into different pieces and inject these pieces throughout the infected program code. What is the name for this technique? Answer
Question Phishing is sending an email or displaying a web announcement that falsely claims to be from a legitimate enterprise in an attempt to trick the user into surrendering private information. Question Select below the type of malware that appears to have a legitimate use, but contains something malicious: Answer Question Select the term used to describe tracking software that is deployed without the consent or control of the user. Answer
Question Social engineering impersonation means to masquerade as a real or fictitious character and then play out the role of that person on a victim. Question Two types of malware have the primary trait of circulation. These are viruses and worms. Question Vishing is a false warning, often contained in an email message claiming to come from the IT department. Question What kind of software program delivers advertising content in a manner that is unexpected and unwanted by the user, and is typically included in malware? Answer
Question What social engineering principal convinces a victim an immediate action is needed? Answer
Question What social engineering principal frightens and coerces a victim by using threats? Answer
Question What specific science discipline do most social engineering attacks rely on when they are being used? Answer
Question What specific type of phishing attack uses the telephone to target a victim? Answer
Question What term below is used to describe the process of gathering information for an attack by relying on the weaknesses of individuals? Answer
Question What type of attack is targeted against a smaller group of specific individuals, such as the major executives working for a manufacturing company? Answer
Question What type of computer code is typically added to a legitimate program but lies dormant until a specific logical event triggers it? Answer
Question What type of malicious software technology is used to download and install software without the user's interaction? Answer
Question What type of malicious software technology is used to monitor user behavior or gather information about the user, sometimes including personally identifiable or other sensitive information? Answer
Question What type of malware consists of a set of software tools used by an attacker to hide the actions or presence of other types of malicious software, such as a virus? Answer
Question What type of malware is heavily dependent on a user in order to spread? Answer
Question What type of ransomware displays a screen and prevents the user from accessing the computer's resources? Answer
Question What type of ransomware was developed to block the user from accessing the computer and encrypts all the files on the user's device? Answer
Question What type of software can be installed in an individual's web browser to prevent ads from displaying Answer
Question What type of spyware silently captures and stores each keystroke that a user types on the computer's keyboard? Answer
Question What type of structure is used to provide instructions to infected bot computers? Answer
Question What type of system security malware allows for access to a computer, program, or service without authorization? Answer
Question What type of undocumented yet benign hidden feature launches after a special set of commands, key combinations, or mouse clicks? Answer
Question Which of the following are considered to be the primary payload capabilities found in malware? (Choose all that apply.) Answer
Question Which of the following is malicious computer code that reproduces itself on the same computer? Answer
Question Which of the following is not one of the four methods for classifying the various instances of malware by using the primary trait that the malware possesses? Answer
Question Which type of phishing attack targets specific users? Answer
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