20 Malware Quiz Questions and Answers

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any program or code designed to infiltrate, damage, or exploit computer systems, networks, or devices without the user’s consent. It encompasses a variety of threats, including viruses, which replicate and spread by attaching to legitimate files; worms, which self-propagate across networks; trojans, which disguise themselves as harmless software to gain access; ransomware, which encrypts files and demands payment for decryption; and spyware, which secretly monitors user activity. Malware typically spreads through email attachments, infected websites, software downloads, or exploited vulnerabilities. Once installed, it can steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, corrupt files, or enable unauthorized control, leading to financial loss, privacy breaches, and system instability. Effective prevention involves using updated antivirus software, avoiding suspicious links, and maintaining regular system updates.

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Part 2: 20 malware quiz questions & answers

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1. What is malware?
A) Malicious software designed to harm computers
B) A type of hardware component
C) A legitimate operating system update
D) A network security tool
Answer: A
Explanation: Malware refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage, gain unauthorized access, or perform other harmful actions on a computer system.

2. Which of the following is a common type of malware?
A) Antivirus software
B) Ransomware
C) Web browser
D) Firewall
Answer: B
Explanation: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment for decryption, making it a significant threat to data security.

3. How does a computer virus typically spread?
A) Through physical contact with hardware
B) By attaching to legitimate files or programs
C) Via secure encrypted emails
D) Only through new computer purchases
Answer: B
Explanation: A computer virus spreads by replicating and attaching itself to other files or programs, often via shared networks or removable media.

4. What is a Trojan horse in the context of malware?
A) A virus that spreads via email
B) Malware disguised as legitimate software
C) A worm that replicates independently
D) An antivirus detection tool
Answer: B
Explanation: A Trojan horse tricks users into installing it by appearing as harmless or useful software, allowing attackers to gain access to the system.

5. Which malware type is known for self-replication without human intervention?
A) Spyware
B) Worm
C) Adware
D) Rootkit
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms are malware that can spread automatically across networks by exploiting vulnerabilities, without needing to attach to other files.

6. What is the primary purpose of spyware?
A) To encrypt user files
B) To secretly monitor and collect data
C) To delete system files
D) To provide system updates
Answer: B
Explanation: Spyware is designed to gather information about a user’s activities without their consent, often for advertising or surveillance purposes.

7. How can ransomware infect a system?
A) Through automatic system updates
B) Via phishing emails with malicious attachments
C) By installing legitimate antivirus software
D) Through secure website browsing
Answer: B
Explanation: Ransomware often enters systems through phishing emails that trick users into opening infected attachments or links.

8. What is a botnet?
A) A network of compromised computers controlled by attackers
B) A type of antivirus program
C) A secure data encryption tool
D) A hardware firewall device
Answer: A
Explanation: A botnet is a collection of internet-connected devices infected with malware, which attackers use to perform coordinated activities like DDoS attacks.

9. Which of the following is an example of adware?
A) Software that blocks viruses
B) Programs that display unwanted advertisements
C) A tool for file encryption
D) A network monitoring system
Answer: B
Explanation: Adware is malware that automatically displays or downloads advertisements, often without the user’s permission, to generate revenue.

10. What does a rootkit do?
A) It speeds up computer performance
B) It hides other malware and processes from detection
C) It provides system backups
D) It updates software automatically
Answer: B
Explanation: Rootkits are designed to conceal malicious activities on a system, making it difficult for users or security software to detect them.

11. How can users prevent malware infections?
A) By disabling all firewalls
B) Using strong passwords and keeping software updated
C) Sharing files freely on unsecured networks
D) Ignoring security warnings
Answer: B
Explanation: Regularly updating software and using strong passwords help patch vulnerabilities that malware exploits, reducing infection risks.

12. What is the WannaCry attack an example of?
A) A virus outbreak
B) A ransomware campaign
C) A spyware installation
D) A legitimate software update
Answer: B
Explanation: WannaCry was a widespread ransomware attack that encrypted files on infected systems and demanded Bitcoin payments for decryption.

13. Which malware spreads primarily through removable media like USB drives?
A) Worms
B) Trojans
C) Viruses
D) All of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: Viruses often spread via removable media by attaching to files, whereas worms and Trojans have different primary methods.

14. What is the role of a keylogger in malware?
A) To encrypt files
B) To record keystrokes and steal information
C) To delete system data
D) To block network access
Answer: B
Explanation: Keyloggers are malware that capture keystrokes, allowing attackers to obtain sensitive information like passwords.

15. How does polymorphic malware evade detection?
A) By changing its code or appearance
B) By only attacking specific hardware
C) By using strong encryption for all files
D) By self-deleting after infection
Answer: A
Explanation: Polymorphic malware alters its code with each infection, making it harder for antivirus software to detect based on signatures.

16. What is a drive-by download?
A) Downloading software from a trusted site
B) Unintended malware installation from visiting a compromised website
C) Manually updating drivers
D) Secure file transfers
Answer: B
Explanation: Drive-by downloads occur when a user visits a malicious or compromised website, automatically downloading malware without their knowledge.

17. Which of the following is a sign of malware infection?
A) Faster computer performance
B) Unexpected pop-up ads or slowed system speed
C) Regular software updates
D) Secure login prompts
Answer: B
Explanation: Symptoms like pop-up ads, slow performance, or crashes can indicate a malware infection on the system.

18. What makes zero-day malware dangerous?
A) It exploits unknown vulnerabilities before patches are available
B) It only affects old hardware
C) It is easily detected by basic antivirus
D) It self-repairs errors
Answer: A
Explanation: Zero-day malware targets flaws that vendors are unaware of, giving attackers an advantage until a fix is developed.

19. How does malware like Stuxnet primarily function?
A) By spreading through email attachments
B) Targeting specific industrial control systems
C) Providing system optimizations
D) Encrypting personal photos
Answer: B
Explanation: Stuxnet is a worm that specifically targeted supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, causing physical damage to infrastructure.

20. What is the best initial response to a suspected malware infection?
A) Ignore it and continue using the computer
B) Disconnect from the internet and run antivirus scans
C) Share files with others to check for issues
D) Delete random files manually
Answer: B
Explanation: Disconnecting from the internet prevents further spread, and running antivirus scans helps identify and remove the malware effectively.

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