Malware
What Malware means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for OCR, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Malware
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Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Malware in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Software written to harm or exploit, including viruses that attach to files, worms that self-replicate across networks, trojans disguised as useful programs, and ransomware that encrypts data for payment.
Software written to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a digital system.
Topics that use Malware
- Threats to computer systems and networks (OCR GCSE)
- Cybersecurity (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Social engineering
- Acceptable use policies
- Anti-malware
- Backup and recovery procedures
- Encryption
- Brute-force attacks
- SQL injection
- Virus
Using Malware in the exam
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