Question

Cindy visits her favorite website on a lunch break using a hospital computer. After she downloads a file, she notices that the computer is running very slowly. She realizes that the hospital system might be infected with malware, so she contacts the IT department. After this is resolved, she resolves to gain a better understanding of the forms of computer software designed to damage or disrupt a computer system, because a damaged system is incapable of providing the support required to manage healthcare information.
Required:
a. When Cindy researches this topic, what will she find in the difference between the two techniques used to create a malware attack?
b. Regardless of the form the malware assumes, what are some of the basic precautions Cindy or someone else at her institution should take to protect the computer system?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Remember, Malware is a word coined from the words Malicious-Software (Mal...ware). Thus, Malware could be defined as software that is intentionally designed by cybercriminals to gain access or cause damage to a computer or network.

a. Cindy may learn the difference between these two techniques used to create a malware attack:

• through downloads from malicious websites: An attacker may design a malicious website; in which unsuspecting users who visit the site may click to download certain files, but these are actually malware software been installed.
• through malicious emails: This email may contain attachments which if opened or downloaded by an unsuspecting user would infect their computer with malware.

b. Here are some common suggestions;

• Never open attachments from strange email addresses.
• install a paid antivirus software.
• be mindful of websites with too many ads.