Malware: Viruses, Worms and Trojans

Background

Courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus

This homework is designed to increase your awareness of malware activities and security issues. Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.

What to Do

Your task is to watch a few short videos explaining the basics of computer malware, then write a short (one to two pages) report on what you have learned.

Links to videos:

1. Basics of viruses, worms and Trojans (3 mins)
2. Cool illustration of viruses, worms and Trojans (3 mins)
3. More on Trojan viruses (6 mins)
4. The Stuxnet virus (3 mins)  
5. The Flame virus (2 mins)
6. The Zeus Banking Trojan (3 mins)

You will likely encountered technical terms you are unfamiliar with. Look them up to make sure you understand them and use them in the right context in your report. Here are a few guidelines for your report:

1. Describe the terms virus, worm and Trojan, and highlight their differences.
2. What is phishing and how does it work?
3. Describe the main features of each of Stuxnet, Flame and Zeus viruses.
4. What was the most surprising thing you learned?
5. What was the most difficult concept for you?

Evaluation

Submission