Malware (short for malicious software) refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage, disrupt normal computer operations, steal sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access to systems or networks. Malware can come in various forms, each with a different purpose or method of attack.
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Malware disguised as legitimate software. Once installed, it can give hackers unauthorized access to a system or
allow for data theft or damage.
Malicious programs that attach themselves to legitimate software and replicate when that software is executed, often spreading across systems.
Software designed to secretly gather information about a user’s activities, often for malicious purposes, like identity theft.
A type of malware that locks or encrypts a user's data, demanding payment (usually in cryptocurrency) for its release.
Malware can have significant and harmful effects on students' devices and data. These effects range from personal inconvenience to severe breaches of privacy and data loss.
Malware, like keyloggers or spyware, can capture user's browsing activity, leading to the theft of sensitive login information. Additionally, if personal data is compromised, cybercriminals can use it to steal identities or engage in fraudulent activities.
Malware, such as ransomware or viruses, can cause data corruption, leading to the loss of important documents, assignments, and research work. Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for decryption keys, potentially causing permanent loss of coursework or data. Malware can also delete or overwrite files, causing total loss.
Malware can cause device performance issues, such as slower boot-up times and sluggish application performance, affecting students' efficiency. It can also run in the background, consuming system resources, making multitasking and using resource-heavy programs difficult, especially for students using video conferencing tools or coding environments.
Malware can expose sensitive school data, including grades, coursework, and private communications, and can also lead to phishing attempts, requiring students to provide login credentials, banking information, or social media accounts, resulting in data theft.
Students often download software from untrustworthy sources, increasing the risk of unknowingly installing malware. Malware can also be embedded in browser extensions or plugins, which students use for productivity tools, games, or learning resources.