Viruses,Hacking and Backups By Grace Mackay 8K Viruses Hacking and Hackers Backups

Viruses What is a virus? A virus is a harmful software that can delete and damage your computer including your documents, music, photos etc. They enter the computer without the owner’s permission or them knowing about it. They are usually created by people and are used to steal your files or just harm your computer, depending on what they are programmed to do. They are designed to spread from one computer to the next. They can infect your computer by , games, internet downloads and websites so be careful!

What are the different types of Virus? There are many types of computer virus that can be organised into where they came from, things they infect, where they hide, the damage they cause etc: Trojan Horses- disguise themselves as something nice then deletes the files on your computer. They are a HIGH threat. Worms- slow down your internet. Viruses- it is a computer code sent to you as an attachment which, if clicked on (activated),can infect your computer and it, in nearly all cases, sends the virus on to every one of your contacts. Stoned Empire Monkey Virus- one of the most common boot sector viruses. It infects the Master Boot Records of Hard Disks. I Love You Worm- it infects all users with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Outlook. If you see this mail do not attempt to open it and instead delete it, even if it is someone you know well.

How to stop yourself getting a virus on your computer The easiest and most common way to stop computer viruses and harm to your computer is to buy an anti-virus software. These warn your computer of harmful websites and downloads. The two most popular anti-virus software's are MacAfee and Norton. You need to always keep your anti-virus software up to date for the latest bug fixes. Another way is a firewall. A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers and viruses who might try to delete information, crash your computer, or even steal your passwords or credit card numbers. Windows comes with a standard firewall but there are free and effective alternatives to download. Do not open attachments from people you don't know! Also, do not open any attachments from people you do know, but aren't expecting. Even friends sometimes pass along viruses! If it has a pif. or scr. extension then chances are its a virus.

Disadvantages of using Anti-Virus Software A good anti-virus software can cost a lot of money, plus the yearly (sometimes monthly) fee. Some software updates everyday which can cause your computer to download when you turn it on. They can cause internet to slow down when updating. They can take a long while to update. They could cause a false alarm which could shut down your computer.

Stuxnet Stuxnet is a computer worm and virus that is used to target a specific thing. It is an internet worm that infects Windows computers. It was discovered in July It watches industrial software and equipment. Experts believed that Stuxnet was created by the United States and unleashed on Iran’s nuclear weapons program. It was designed and created by the U.S. government. It is spread mostly by USB sticks.

Hacking and Hackers What is hacking? Hacking is illegal use of a person’s files such as: medical details, passport details, bank and credit card details, photos, internet etc. This information is accessed by hackers breaking into a computer and stealing its files and private information. Hackers could use this information in many ways including a popular one: to steal money (credit card details). They can look at your personal details etc or delete your files. The majority of hackers hack computers for fun and as a challenge. They're not interested in attacking private individuals. It's the big companies and authorities that they target.

What damage can hackers do? A hacker can use a virus to exploit a hole in your software to steal or take control of your data. Hackers may also take on any one of these activities: Delete Data Vandalism- destruction of a computer or data Theft- gaining access to information, usually for resale Hijacking- many hackers are interested in using Viruses and Trojan Horses to use your computer for their own purposes. Identity Theft- electronic theft or personal information can be used to steal financial resources. Terrorism

How to stop hackers Keep your software up to date. Turn off your internet when your not using it. Don’t leave your computer turned on and unattended connected to the internet for long periods of time. Install a good anti-virus software that can detect intrusion. Install a firewall- this together with a good anti-virus software can help stop unauthorised access and prevents virus infections.

Backups Why is it important to back up your work/information? Backup means to make a safe copy of a file/picture/details etc. It is important to back up your files because hackers or viruses could delete them. If your computer crashes seconds before you hit the save button, you’ll know what it feels like to have to start completely from scratch and in some cases lose every file that you own. Backing up data protects your files from being lost forever.

What do I back up? Here are some suggestions of what to back up: Information and files relating to banking or other financial records Digital Photos Purchased/downloaded music from the Internet Purchased/downloaded software from the Internet Important work/school projects contact list

What to back up your work to You can backup data to: Another Hard Drive, A Disk, A CD, A CD-ROM A DVD, A Memory Stick, A USB or Another computer.

Where do I keep my backup files? Nowhere near your computer! Keep them in a safe place hidden away in your house or with you in your pocket or bag (if it fits!).

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING MY PRESENTATION xx :) By Grace Mackay