Common threats (malware, phishing, ransomware) in Intro to Computing - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Identify the type of threat from a scenario

You receive an email that looks like it is from your bank asking you to click a link and enter your password to verify your account. What type of threat is this?

A Spyware

B Ransomware

C Malware

D Phishing

💡 Hint

Think about what the attacker wants: your personal information by tricking you.

This is a classic example of phishing, where attackers try to trick you into giving sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted source.

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding ransomware behavior

A computer suddenly shows a message demanding payment to unlock files. What has most likely happened?

A The computer is running a software update

B The computer has a virus that deletes files

C The computer is infected with ransomware

D The computer is infected with spyware

💡 Hint

Think about what ransomware does to your files and what it demands.

Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment to restore access. The message demanding payment is a key sign.

❓ trace

advanced

Trace the infection path of malware

A user downloads a free game from an unknown website. Soon after, their computer slows down and shows many pop-up ads. What type of malware is most likely causing this?

A Adware

B Ransomware

C Trojan horse

D Worm

💡 Hint

Think about malware that causes unwanted ads and slows down the computer.

Adware displays unwanted advertisements and can slow down the system. It often comes bundled with free software.

❓ identification

advanced

Identify the threat from a description of its effect

Which threat type secretly records your keystrokes to steal passwords and credit card numbers?

A Spyware

B Ransomware

C Virus

D Phishing

💡 Hint

This threat spies on your activity without your knowledge.

Spyware secretly monitors user activity like keystrokes to steal sensitive information.

❓ Comparison

expert

Compare malware types by their main goal

Match each threat to its primary goal:

1. Ransomware
2. Phishing
3. Worm
4. Trojan horse

Options:
A. Spread copies of itself to other computers
B. Trick users into revealing sensitive information
C. Lock files and demand payment
D. Disguise as legitimate software to cause harm

A 1:D, 2:C, 3:B, 4:A

B 1:C, 2:B, 3:A, 4:D

C 1:B, 2:A, 3:D, 4:C

D 1:A, 2:D, 3:C, 4:B

💡 Hint

Think about what each threat tries to do: spread, trick, lock, or disguise.

Ransomware locks files and demands payment (C). Phishing tricks users to reveal info (B). Worms spread copies (A). Trojan horses disguise as legit software (D).