What is malware and what are the following types?
- Viruses
- Worms
- Trojans
- Ransomware
- Adware
- Spyware
- Malware is a type of malicious software that infects computer systems/networks which causes damage or generates unauthorised access to these systems and data.
- Viruses are malware that infects computer systems when a program or app is installed by the user; when this happens the virus replicates its code.
- Worms are malware that infects systems even without user interaction.
- Trojans are malware that acts as legitimate software but is malicious.
- Ransomware is malware that prevents access to computer systems/network and data unless payment is made.
- Adware is a type of malware that generates ads in the form of popups without user consent.
- Spyware is malware that collects PII and monitors computer system of a user.
What are some signs of malware?
- Added toolbars, extensions or plug ins that aren’t recognised.
- Redirection to a website that is unknown in a browser.
- Pop-ups.
- Slow computer performance.
- Unexpected data changes.
What are some safe practices regarding web practices?
- Never use a public wifi; if necessary use a VPN for secure connection.
- Be vigilant against malware and install/update antivirus software.
- Clear Browser Cache before shutting down or logging off from computer.
- View SSL certificate (website certificate) to see if a website is trusted.
What’s the difference between Extensions and Plug Ins?
- Extensions are additional software components installed within a web browser to increase functionality.
- Plug ins are a type of software addon that provides a functionality within a web browser; unlike extensions within a browser these are external software.
What’s Private Browsing?What’s cookies?
- Is a way to browse the web without leaving traces to the actvitity on the device.
- Are software files that websites store on a device to remember information about the user such as passwords, user preference, shopping cart info, language preferences to improve user experience and personalise it.
What’s some of the way to practice private browsing?
- Use incognito mode which removes locally stored information; done so when the browser is closed.
- Clear Cache which removes cookies.
What’s the difference between Server Side and Client-Side Scripting when it comes to web browsing? Why’s it dangerous to use client-side scripting?
- Server Side scripting is the use of scripts to create programs which are executed at a server level before it is send to the browser to generate web site content.
- Client Side Scripting is the use of scripts to create programs which are executed on a client device to generate website content.
Client-Side scriptiong can be used for malicious purpose such as generating pop-ups, display intrusive ads, track online user activity and deliver malware.
What are some of safe ways to browse the internet?
- Use an ad blocker to remove ads, trackers.
- Use a script blocker which disables client-side scripting.
- Use a pop-up blocker which prevents websites from opening up without user consent.
- Ensure that the SSL certificate (website certificate) is valid and offers secure connection.
What’s a proxy server and why should it be used?
A proxy server is server that acts as an intemediary between a client-pc and the internet; routing requests (not just website viewing) from the client to the internet and vice versa.
Proxy servers can be used for:
* See what users are accessing.
* Content filtering and malware prevention by scanning incoming data.
* Can act as a firewall.
* Cache pages that people are frequently using.
* Masking client IP with its own which makes it hard for external parties to monitor user activities.
* SSL/TLS encryption for data exchanged between client and server.
* Organizations can better segment their network by routing traffic via proxy.
* Provides access control pollicies for users.
