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CompTIA Security+ 2.4
TechKnowSurge Catalog Interactives A Virus, or Other Malware?
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A Virus, or Other Malware?

Does it install itself into other programs, or not? Sort each sample as a virus or other malware. Land five in a row.

⚑ Complete this interactive to capture a CTF flag worth 5 points.

About this interactive

Malware is any software intentionally built to cause disruption. A virus is one specific type of malware, defined by how it spreads: it installs itself into other programs, modifying a legitimate executable or a file's code so that the malicious code runs when that program runs. Without a host program to attach to, a virus cannot spread. The other kinds of malware are not viruses, because they do not infect other programs: ransomware encrypts files for payment, a worm copies itself across the network on its own, spyware collects information, a trojan is disguised as something useful, a keylogger records keystrokes, a rootkit hides an intruder. The lesson's point is that "antivirus" is really anti-malware: it should cover the whole spectrum, not just viruses. To sort a card, ask whether the sample spreads by installing itself into other programs (a virus) or by some other means (other malware).

What you'll learn

Aligned to

CompTIA Security+
2.4 Given a scenario, analyze indicators of malicious activity.

Key terms

Malware
Software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system.
Virus
Malicious code that attaches itself to legitimate programs and replicates when executed.
Anti-Malware
Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove the full spectrum of malicious software threats from a system, encompassing viruses and all other malware types.
Antivirus
Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from a system.

Topics

Interactive Streak Sort

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