The table shows different types of cyber threat.... | Computer Science 0478 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Computer Systems

Question 1 Report

The table shows different types of cyber threat.

(a) Complete the table by describing each cyber threat. [4]

(b) For each threat in the table, state one method that can be used to protect against it. [4]

Answer

(a) Descriptions of each cyber threat [4]

Threat	Description
Pharming	Malicious code (often installed via malware or DNS poisoning) redirects a user from a legitimate website to a convincing fake website without the user's knowledge, even when the correct URL is typed into the browser. The fake site then harvests login credentials or personal data. [1]
Spyware	Software that secretly monitors and collects information about a user's activities - such as browsing habits, keystrokes, and login credentials - and sends this data to a third party without the user's consent. [1]
Adware	Software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements on the user's computer, often bundled with free software downloads. While not always directly harmful, it degrades performance and can redirect to malicious sites. [1]
Trojan	A program that appears to be legitimate software (e.g. a game or utility) but contains hidden malicious code that executes when the program is run, potentially opening a backdoor for an attacker. [1]

(b) One protection method for each threat [4]

Threat	Preventive Measure
Pharming	Use up-to-date anti-malware software that can detect and remove pharming code, and always check for HTTPS and a valid security certificate before entering login details on a website. [1]
Spyware	Run regular anti-spyware scans using dedicated security software, and avoid downloading programs from untrusted or unverified sources. [1]
Adware	Use an ad blocker in the web browser and be cautious when installing free software, checking for bundled programs during the installation process and opting out. [1]
Trojan	Only download software from trusted and verified sources (official websites, app stores), and keep anti-virus software up to date so it can detect known Trojan signatures. [1]

Answer Details

(a) Descriptions of each cyber threat [4]

Threat	Description
Pharming	Malicious code (often installed via malware or DNS poisoning) redirects a user from a legitimate website to a convincing fake website without the user's knowledge, even when the correct URL is typed into the browser. The fake site then harvests login credentials or personal data. [1]
Spyware	Software that secretly monitors and collects information about a user's activities - such as browsing habits, keystrokes, and login credentials - and sends this data to a third party without the user's consent. [1]
Adware	Software that automatically displays or downloads unwanted advertisements on the user's computer, often bundled with free software downloads. While not always directly harmful, it degrades performance and can redirect to malicious sites. [1]
Trojan	A program that appears to be legitimate software (e.g. a game or utility) but contains hidden malicious code that executes when the program is run, potentially opening a backdoor for an attacker. [1]

(b) One protection method for each threat [4]

Threat	Preventive Measure
Pharming	Use up-to-date anti-malware software that can detect and remove pharming code, and always check for HTTPS and a valid security certificate before entering login details on a website. [1]
Spyware	Run regular anti-spyware scans using dedicated security software, and avoid downloading programs from untrusted or unverified sources. [1]
Adware	Use an ad blocker in the web browser and be cautious when installing free software, checking for bundled programs during the installation process and opting out. [1]
Trojan	Only download software from trusted and verified sources (official websites, app stores), and keep anti-virus software up to date so it can detect known Trojan signatures. [1]