Malware types (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware) in Cybersecurity - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding Malware Propagation

Which malware type is known for spreading itself automatically across networks without needing a user to run a program?

A Worm

B Virus

C Trojan

D Ransomware

💡 Hint

Think about malware that moves independently through networks.

Worms can spread automatically over networks without user action, unlike viruses or trojans which need user interaction.

📋 Factual

intermediate

Identifying Malware Behavior

Which malware type disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it?

A Ransomware

B Worm

C Virus

D Trojan

💡 Hint

Consider malware that pretends to be something safe.

Trojans appear as normal programs but carry harmful code, tricking users into installing them.

🔍 Analysis

advanced

Comparing Malware Effects

Which malware type primarily aims to block access to data or systems until a ransom is paid?

A Ransomware

B Virus

C Worm

D Trojan

💡 Hint

Think about malware that demands money to restore access.

Ransomware encrypts or locks data and demands payment to unlock it, unlike other malware types.

❓ Reasoning

advanced

Distinguishing Malware Characteristics

Which statement best describes the difference between a virus and a worm?

A A virus can spread without user action, but a worm needs a user to run it.

B A worm attaches itself to files, while a virus spreads independently.

C A virus requires user action to spread, while a worm spreads automatically over networks.

D Both virus and worm require user action to spread.

💡 Hint

Consider how each malware spreads and if user action is needed.

Viruses need a user to run infected files to spread, while worms spread automatically without user help.

🚀 Application

expert

Identifying Malware from Behavior Description

A user downloads a free game from an unknown website. After installation, their files become encrypted and a message demands payment to unlock them. Which malware type is responsible?

A Trojan

B Ransomware

C Virus

D Worm

💡 Hint

Focus on the encryption and payment demand after installing software.

The behavior describes ransomware, which encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.