AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile…
Full specification wording
Malicious code (malware): Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software.
This statement stresses that malware is an umbrella term, so it names a whole family of hostile or intrusive software rather than a single product.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 7
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement stresses that malware is an umbrella term, so it names a whole family of hostile or intrusive software rather than a single product. The two key ideas are variety (many different forms exist) and purpose (each form is hostile or intrusive). Examples of the family include viruses, worms, trojans and ransomware, but the definition does not depend on listing them. A strong answer explains that the shared feature is intent to harm or intrude, while the forms differ in how they spread and what they do. For instance, some forms attach to other files and spread when those files run, while others spread across a network on their own; both still sit under the umbrella. Avoid treating the term as one specific program or as a synonym for a single type.
What earns the marks
- States that malware is an umbrella or collective term.
- Explains that it covers a variety of different forms of software.
- Identifies the shared feature as hostile or intrusive behaviour.
- Recognises that individual forms differ in how they operate while sharing that purpose.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Defining malware as one specific type of program.
Put it right by describing it as a category covering many forms.
Listing types without explaining the shared hostile or intrusive purpose.
Put it right by stating the common feature.
Assuming all malware spreads in the same way.
Put it right by noting the forms differ in behaviour.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase 'umbrella term' and then explain what it covers.
- Give the shared purpose (hostile or intrusive) before any examples.
- If examples are requested, name a few forms and say they all belong to the same family.
Try the lesson
The start of the Malicious code (malware): Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A computer user is told that malware is an umbrella term. What does this mean about malware?
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