Keeping digital devices safe from malware | Year 3 Computing PDF Download

Staying Safe in the Digital World

• We take various precautions to safeguard ourselves from danger and harm.
• In freezing weather, we stay warm by wearing a coat.
• When crossing busy roads, we use crossings or find safe places to cross.
• When using digital devices and computers, it's crucial to understand how to protect our friends, families, and ourselves.
• Interestingly, digital devices themselves might also face risks or threats.

Hardware and software

• Devices consist of two distinct components: hardware and software.
• Hardware comprises the physical parts of the device that are visible and tangible, including the internal components of a computer.
• Software refers to the data and programs stored within the device's memory.
• We can safeguard the hardware of a device by using a protective case and taking care to avoid scratching or damaging it during use.
• However, even if we protect the hardware, the software may still be vulnerable to threats or risks.

Understanding Dangerous Software Programs

• Definition of Malware: Malware, short for malicious software, refers to harmful programs designed to disrupt the normal functioning of a digital device or to steal personal information.
• Types of Malware:
  • Virus: A type of malware that can replicate itself and spread to other programs or files.
  • Trojan: Malware disguised as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and installing it.
  • Spyware: Malware that secretly gathers user information and activities without their consent.
  • Ransomware: Malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
• Effects of Malware: Malware attacks can disrupt the proper functioning of software on a device, leading to system crashes, data loss, and compromised security.
• Examples of Malware Attacks:
  • WannaCry: A ransomware attack that infected thousands of computers worldwide in 2017, causing widespread damage.
  • Stuxnet: A sophisticated worm designed to target industrial systems, particularly Iran's nuclear facilities. 

What can happen to your device?

• Malicious software, known as malware, is designed to disrupt the normal functioning of your device. 
• It can lead to various detrimental effects:
  • Your device may experience a significant slowdown in performance.
  • It could abruptly stop working, commonly referred to as crashing.
  • Your device might unexpectedly shut down and restart on its own, a phenomenon known as rebooting.

Types of Malware

Viruses

• A virus is a type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to other programs.
• It's named after human viruses like the common cold.
• Once your device is infected, a virus can spread quickly to other connected devices through the internet.
• Viruses can also spread through email attachments, infecting contacts when you send messages.
• They can replicate on memory sticks and infect other devices this way.

Worms

• Worms are malware that spreads from device to device.
• Unlike viruses, worms don't need to attach to other programs to spread.
• They can replicate numerous times, causing rapid harm to your device.
• Worms may copy themselves into your email and send copies to all your contacts.

Trojan horse

• A trojan horse, or trojan, pretends to be a safe and useful computer program.
• However, it actually aims to attack your device.
• Trojans derive their name from the Ancient Greek tale of the Trojan Horse.

Spyware

• Spyware is malware designed to steal personal information such as usernames, passwords, and email addresses.
• It achieves this by recording everything the user types, known as key logging.
• Some spyware can even access your webcam without your knowledge.

How to Protect Your Devices from Viruses and Malware

Here are some essential tips to safeguard your devices from malware attacks:

• Avoid downloading any software or apps from the internet unless you've confirmed with an adult that they are safe.
• Never click on email attachments unless you know the sender and are expecting the attachment.
• If you receive a strange or suspicious message from a friend, alert them as they might be affected by a malware attack.
• Consider covering your webcam when it's not in use to protect your privacy.
• Use anti-virus software, which regularly scans and checks your device for malware, removing any threats it detects.
• It's a smart practice to keep your anti-virus software updated and run regular scans on all your devices.