Objectives
Research and analyze malware
Background / Scenario
Malware, or malicious software, refers to a variety of malicious software programs that can be used to cause harm to computer systems, steal data, and bypass security measures. Malware can also attack critical infrastructure, disable emergency services, cause assembly lines to make defective products, disable electric generators, and disrupt transportation services. Security experts estimate that more than one million new malware threats are released each day. A McAfee Labs report indicates almost 500 million known malware threats at the end of 2015.
Note: You can use the web browser in virtual machine installed in a previous lab to research security related issues. By using the virtual machine, you may prevent malware from being installed on your computer.
Required Resources
- PC or mobile device with Internet access
Conduct a Search of Recent Malware
a. Using your favorite search engine, conduct a search for recent malware. During your search, choose four examples of malware, each one from a different malware type, and be prepared to discuss details on what each does, how it each is transmitted and the impact each causes.
Examples of malware types include: Trojan, Hoax, Adware, Malware, PUP, Exploit, and Vulnerability.
Some suggested web sites to search malware are listed below:
McAfee
Malwarebytes
Security Week
TechNewsWorld
b. Read the information about the malware found from your search in step 1a, choose one and write a short summary that explains what the malware does, how it is transmitted, and the impact it causes.
Answers will vary based on the malware chosen.