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Network+ Exam

Malware

October 29, 2025

  • #network+

Malware

Malware - designed to infiltrate a computer system to damage it without the user knowledge or consent.

Virus - made up of malicious code that is run on a machine without the knowled of the user and infects it whenever that code is run.

Worm- malicois software that can replecate itself and spread throughout the network without a users conent or ation. worm can exploit vulns in unpatched comuters to spread across hte network. uses a lot of resources worms spread far and wide. the botnet was shut down before it could be utilizd for malicious purposes.

Trojan horse - based on the sory from troy. horse was a gift but the soljers were in side and used it as a way to get in.

software designed as a harmless or desirable software. may have a backdoor. like a trojan inside of Tetris, you could pay tetris, but in the backround.

Remote Access Trojan (RAT) - provides the attacker with remote control of a victim machine.

Trojan horse - a pice of malicous software disguised as a pice of harmless or desireless software. tetris game was popular, you could add a back door that is a RAT

Have to check for virus or trojan.

Ransomeaer - restricts access to a victims computer or system untill a ransom or payment is recived. big deal.

Oil Pipelines,

Hospital Cystems

cities.

important to stay up to day with

spyware - type of malicious software that’s insalled onthe system and gathers information without your consent.

rootkit - specefic type of sftware that is designed to gain administrativ level control over a computer system in a network device without being detected.

windows 7

JPS Virus Maker

Malware

General

  • Malware = Malicious Software
  • Infiltrates a system without user knowledge or consent.
  • Goal: Damage, steal, or gain unauthorized access.

Types of Malware

  • Virus
    • Malicious code that requires user action to run and spread (e.g., open infected file).
    • Attaches to files, replicates when file is executed.
  • Worm
    • Self-replicating malware.
    • Spreads across network without user action.
    • Exploits unpatched vulnerabilities.
    • Consumes bandwidth/resources.
  • Trojan Horse
    • Disguised as harmless/desirable software (e.g., free game, tool).
    • May install backdoors or other payloads.
    • RAT (Remote Access Trojan): Gives attacker full remote control of the system.
  • Ransomware
    • Encrypts or locks files/systems until ransom is paid.
    • Targets: critical infrastructure, hospitals, cities, pipelines.
    • Prevented with patches, backups, awareness.
  • Spyware
    • Secretly monitors and collects user data (keystrokes, browsing, credentials).
    • Often bundled with free software.
  • Rootkit
    • Malware that provides administrative-level, stealthy control.
    • Hides processes, files, registry changes.
    • Hard to detect and remove.

Notable Exam Associations

  • Virus = needs user.
  • Worm = spreads automatically.
  • Trojan = disguise.
  • RAT = remote control.
  • Ransomware = payment demand.
  • Spyware = info theft.
  • Rootkit = stealth admin access.

✅ Exam Must-Knows

  • Worms exploit unpatched systems.
  • Ransomware = real-world major impact.
  • Trojans often carry RATs.
  • Rootkits = very stealthy, deep persistence.

⚡Memory Trick:

“Very Weak Troops Run Silly Routes” → Virus, Worm, Trojan, RAT, Spyware, Rootkit.