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Malware operation descriptions
Viruses, trojans and spyware are forms of malware.
Describe how two of these forms of malware work.
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Marking points
- 1 Each credited description matches the malware named by the learner, with no more than two marks for either chosen form.
- 2 Virus execution/spread is credited when Virus is named.
- 3 Virus attachment to a host file/program is credited when Virus is named.
- 4 Clicking/executing the infected host is credited when Virus is named.
- 5 A Trojan posing as legitimate/useful is credited when Trojan is named.
- 6 Being tricked into executing a Trojan is credited when Trojan is named.
- 7 Covert information gathering is credited when Spyware is named.
- 8 Sending information to an originator is credited when Spyware is named.
Full-mark answer
Virus — it attaches itself to another file or program and spreads when the infected host is executed. Trojan — it pretends to be a useful or legitimate program, tricks the user into executing it, and then activates its malicious purpose.
Why this answer loses marks
Virus — damages files. Trojan — damages files.
These are generic effects, not how the named malware works; describe the delivery, activation, spread, disguise, or data-gathering mechanism.