Cyber Security Threats - Malware, Phishing & Pharming

Cyber security threats can damage systems, networks and the people who use them. This lesson looks at the main types of malware, network-based attacks, and social engineering attacks such as phishing and pharming, and the damage each can cause, with exam questions to finish.

Key terms

Malware

Software designed to damage a system or steal data, such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware.

Virus

Malware that attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when the infected file is run.

Worm

Malware that copies itself and spreads across a network without needing a host file.

Trojan horse

Malware disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installing it.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts a user's files and demands payment to unlock them.

Spyware

Malware that secretly records what a user does, such as key presses, and sends it to an attacker.

Phishing

Fake emails or messages that trick people into revealing personal information or clicking harmful links.

Pharming

Redirecting users from a genuine website to a fake one, even when they type the correct address.

Social engineering

Manipulating people into giving away confidential information or access.

Hacking

Gaining unauthorised access to a computer system or data.

Part of Security, Privacy and Data Integrity.