TGGS Computer Science

🦠 What Is Malware?

Malware is software designed to harm a device, steal information, or allow attackers to gain control.

• Viruses
• Trojans
• Spyware
• Ransomware

✅ Preventing Malware

Malware infections often happen because of user behaviour.

• Downloading software
• Opening emails or attachments
• Clicking links
• Keeping software up to date

When writing your answer, explain how these behaviours can reduce the chance of infection.

🕵️ Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

A man-in-the-middle attack happens when an attacker secretly positions themselves between a user and a service.

The user believes they are communicating directly.

📶 Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots

A common way to carry out a MITM attack is by using a fake Wi-Fi hotspot.

• The network may look genuine
• It may use a familiar or trusted name
• Users connect without realising it is unsafe

🤔 User Choices and Risk

User behaviour affects whether a MITM attack is successful.

• Which Wi-Fi network is chosen
• Whether sensitive data is sent
• If the connection is secure or encrypted

Strong answers link choices to possible consequences.

🔓 Brute Force Attacks

A brute force attack involves repeatedly trying passwords until the correct one is found.

This process is usually automated.

🔢 Password Length

Longer passwords are harder to crack.

• Passwords should be at least 8 characters
• Each extra character increases the number of combinations

Think about why this makes brute force attacks less effective.

🔤 Password Complexity

Using a wide range of characters increases password strength.

• Lowercase letters
• Uppercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols

When writing, explain how variety increases security.

✍️ Writing Strong Answers

High-quality responses usually:

• Describe the attack clearly
• Explain how it works
• Link user behaviour to risk
• Explain how protections reduce success