Virus Alert!                                              Name_________________

Go to http://www.sophos.com/sophos/docs/eng/comviru/viru_ben.pdf and answer the following questions.

  1. Why was the first virus program written?
  1. Define a virus.


  1. What are some of the harmful effects of a virus or worm?


  1. Give several ways your system can become infected with a virus.



  1. What part does the computer user play in getting a virus infection?



Trojan Horse

  1. How is a Trojan Horse different from a virus? List several differences.


  2. Why is the name Trojan Horse appropriate for this type of unwanted software?



Worms

  1. How are worms different from viruses?




What can viruses do?

  1. List the four WORST things viruses can do.


  2. Can I get a virus just by reading email? Explain.




Internet Worms

  1. What allows worms to spread?

  2. What is the best way to protect yourself from worms? (the answer is not antivirus software.)

Spyware

  1. What are some of the undesirable effects of spyware?





Preventing Viruses

  1. List the five steps for preventing viruses from infecting your system.

Virus Hoaxes

  1. List three characteristics of a virus hoax.

 

  1. How can virus hoaxes be just as bad as a real virus?


Phishing

  1. What is the goal of phishing?

  2. How does phishing work?