Viruses, Malicious Code, & Other Nasty Stuff

Presented by: Melissa Dark K-12 Outreach Coordinator CERIAS, Purdue University [email protected]

http://www.cerias.purdue.edu/education/K-12

Software Security:

(Viruses, Trojans, Unwanted Access) • Only install necessary and trusted software.

• Beware of *free* games, screen savers, and graphics.

• Keep a hard copy of the copyright release for all “free” products!

• Run and UPDATE anti-virus software!!

Virus Growth

• • • •

60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 1988 1990 1988: Less than 10 known viruses 1990: New virus found every day 1993: 10-30 new viruses per week 1999: 45,000 viruses and variants

Source: McAfee

1993 1999

Pikachu Worm: A K-12 Nightmare

This dialog box appears after the PIKACHUPOKEMON.EXE file has been activated.

Worm:

• Accesses Outlook Address Book • • Embeds code to delete Windows and Windows Subfolders upon Restart.

+: Does ask for permission to delete files with a “Y” command.

Examples of Nasty Stuff:

• • • • •

Trojan Horse Viruses Worms Logic Bomb Trapdoors

Viruses:

•

Viruses:

a computer program file capable of attaching to disks or other files and replicating itself repeatedly, typically without user knowledge or permission.

Worms:

•

Worms:

reproducing programs that run independently and travel across network connections. Reproduction Differences: * A virus is dependent upon a host file or boot sector, and the transfer of files between machines to spread. * A worm can run completely independently and spread of its own will through network connections.

Trojan Horse:

•

Trojan Horse:

a malicious program that pretends to be a benign application; a Trojan horse program purposefully does something the user does not expect. Trojans are not viruses since they do not replicate, but Trojan horse programs can be just as destructive.

Logic Bomb:

•

Logic Bomb

: A logic bomb is a type of Trojan Horse that executes when specific conditions occur. – Triggers for logic bombs can include change in a file, by a particular series of keystrokes, or at a specific time or date.

Trapdoor:

•

Trapdoors:

allows access to a system by skipping the usual login routine.

Virus Information Activity (for students or teachers)

Directions: • Choose one of the keywords listed on the next slide. • Go to the McAfee virus information library ( http://vil.mcafee.com

/) and search for information dealing with your selection.

• Skim through the choices and pick the best one to explore! Explain what the virus is, what it will do, and steps to fix it.

Virus Awareness Activity: Debriefing

• Pok • Snoopy • Love • Backdoor • Bud Frogs • Anna • Bob • • • • • • • Pretty Cobra Sorry Funny Perrin Nim Code Red

Bootsector

• A computer program that is designed to replicate itself by copying itself into the other programs stored in a computer.

Macro

• A virus that hides inside document and spreadsheet files used by popular word processing and spreadsheet

Timebomb

• A virus that is in effect at a certain time or date

Virus Prevention

• Turn on the firewall • Keep the computer operating system up-to-date • Use updated antivirus software on the computer • Use updated antispyware software on the computer