Topic: Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats
When I am done this lesson, I will know:
• Some common online threats
• Some tips to avoid online threats
• What to do if my computer gets a virus
Pre and Post Self-Assessment
Pre Pre Post Post
Yes, I know this No, I want to Yes, I know this I still need more
learn this practice to learn
this
I know what
some common
online threats
are
I know how to
avoid online
threats
I know what to
do if my
computer gets a
virus
New Words and Terms
malware
adware
trojan
spyware
ransomware
worm
Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats 1
There are many different kinds of online threats to computers. Some of the most common
terms are:
• Malware
• Virus
• Adware
• Trojan
• Spyware
• Ransomware
• Worm
Type of Threat Description
Malware Malware is short for malicious software. This means that while most of us
refer to these threats as viruses, the correct catch-all term should indeed
be malware. Malicious software comes in many forms, but malware itself
is a general term that could be used to describe any number of things, such
as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and others. It’s a program or file with
bad intentions. Luckily, malware is what all the most popular antivirus
programs are look for.
Virus Viruses are malicious code that infect a computer after you install a
software. This usually happens through USB drives, Internet
downloads, or email attachments, but it can happen other ways as
well.
The infection doesn’t occur just from having the infected files on
your computer. The infection happens once the program runs for
the first time, whether through Autorun, a manual install, or an
executable file that the user opens. Once opened – or run – the
infection happens. From that point, it can be very difficult to find
and get rid of the virus.
Unlike other threats, viruses have no other purpose than attempting
to make your computer impossible to use.
Adware Adware is usually harmless but it can be really annoying.
Adware is often bundled with apps or software, which makes initial
detection somewhat difficult.
A common example is the checkbox at the bottom of a download
link (often pre-checked) that asks if we want to “Include X for free” –
“X” is often the program containing the adware. If you aren’t sure
what these additional programs are, or how they function, don’t
download them.
Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats 2
Trojan Trojans were named after the Trojan Horse, which was a giant
wooden horse used to conceal Greek soldiers as they entered Troy
during the Trojan War. A trojan damages your computer the same
way. It hides malicious code inside a program or file in order to gain
access to your machine. Once inside, the program installs itself on
your device and communicates with a server in the background
without your knowledge. This gives an outside party access to your
computer and information on your computer through what’s called
a backdoor.
Spyware Spyware is the most common piece of malware on the Internet.
While it’s quite deceptive in nature and a major annoyance, most
spyware is relatively harmless. Typically, spyware is used to monitor
your browsing behaviour. This information is often used to send you
ads based on your browsing behaviour.
While typical spyware is mostly used for ad-serving purposes, there
are other more malicious types of spyware that communicate
sensitive data back to another user, or to a server. This data can
include emails, photos, log files, credit card numbers, banking
information, and/or online passwords.
Spyware is most often downloaded by the user as part of an add-on
to a legitimate download (such as a toolbar) or included as part of a
freeware or shareware program.
Ransomware The goal of ransomware is to collect money by manipulating the
user into believing something that’s often untrue.
After the malicious software is installed, it’ll lock down your system
except for a window that allows you to pay the ransom in order to
regain use of your system.
Worm Worms are the most damaging form of malware. While a virus
attacks one computer and relies on a user to share infected files in
order for it to spread, a worm exploits security loopholes in a
network and can bring the entire network down.
Once the worm is in the network, it passes (often unnoticed) from
computer to computer. As it passes from one device to another, the
infection spreads until each machine is infected.
Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats 3
Source: all above definitions adapted from: [Link]
malware-etc-explained-understanding-online-threats/ (last accessed April 19, 2019)
Check Your Knowledge
1. What is a trojan named after?
2. What is the most damaging type of malware?
3. What is the goal of ransomware?
Review this tutorial to learn what to do if your [Link]
computer gets a virus. Source: [Link] ty/what-to-do-if-your-computer-gets-a-
virus/1/
Tips for Avoiding Online Threats
• Keep your operating system and each of your programs up to date by downloading
updates as they become available.
• Install an antivirus program and keep it up to date.
• Use a firewall.
• Do not download apps or programs from unknown and untrusted sources.
• Use your antivirus program or a malware detection program to scan programs and
links before opening them.
• Avoid pirated (stolen or illegal) software.
• Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know.
Discussion Questions
Can you think of any other ways to avoid online threats?
Optional: I want to learn more
Watch this to learn three tips [Link]
on how to spot malware.
Source: Google Help
Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats 4
Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework Connection
Competency Task Group(s)
Find and Use Information • Read Continuous Text (L3)
• Interpret Documents (L3 - compares virus types,
unfamiliar vocabulary)
• Extract Information from Films, Broadcasts and
Presentations (not levelled)
Communicate Ideas and • Complete and Create Documents (L2 – tables, ability
Information to estimate, ability to evaluate)
Literacy Link South Central
(March 2020)
[Link] literacylink@[Link]
Computer Viruses and Other Online Threats 5
