Common threats (malware, phishing, ransomware) in Intro to Computing - Flowchart & Logic Diagram

Process Overview

This flowchart explains how common cyber threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware work step-by-step. It shows how these threats enter a computer system, what they do, and how users can respond to protect themselves.

Flowchart

Receive Email or Download File

Yes No↓

Click Link or Open File

↓

Malware Infects System

↓

Phishing Steals Info

Yes No↓

Encrypts Files

↓

Demand Ransom

This flowchart shows the step-by-step process of how common threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware operate after a user receives an email or downloads a file. It includes decision points about suspicion, type of threat, and ransomware behavior.

Step-by-Step Trace - 6 Steps

Step 1: User receives an email with a link.

Step 2: User checks if the email looks suspicious.

Step 3: User clicks the link because it looks suspicious but interesting.

Step 4: System detects the threat type: phishing attempt.

Step 5: User enters information on the phishing page.

Step 6: Process ends with data stolen.

Diagram

 +-------------------+      +-------------------+      +-------------------+
 |   User's Computer | ---> |   Malware Program  | ---> |  Files Encrypted   |
 +-------------------+      +-------------------+      +-------------------+
          |                          |                          |
          v                          v                          v
 +-------------------+      +-------------------+      +-------------------+
 |  Phishing Website | ---> |  Steals Info Data |      |  Ransom Demand    |
 +-------------------+      +-------------------+      +-------------------+

This diagram shows how a user's computer interacts with malware and phishing websites. Malware can encrypt files leading to ransom demands, while phishing websites steal user information.

Flowchart Quiz - 3 Questions

What should you do if you receive a suspicious email?

A Avoid clicking links or opening attachments

B Click all links to check if they are safe

C Reply to the sender asking for confirmation

D Forward the email to friends

Key Result

Common cyber threats start with suspicious emails or files and rely on user actions to infect systems or steal data.