Malicious software
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can assess the impact of malicious software on individuals and society.
Key learning points
- Malware (malicious software) is software designed to gain access to a computer to cause problems in its operation.
- Malware can infect computers using many different methods.
- Bots are automated programs that are designed to perform tasks repeatedly.
- Bots can be designed for malicious purposes to deliberately impact society.
Keywords
Malware - malicious software - a program designed to cause damage to computer systems, corrupt or change files, steal data or cause disruption to services
Virus - malware that spreads between computers and interferes with their normal operation
Worm - malware that spreads through a network and uses resources to slow it down
Trojan - malware that has been disguised as a harmless program
Bots - automated programs that perform tasks repeatedly
Common misconception
You can only get malware on a computer if you download a file.
Malware can infect a computer in other ways, like visiting unsafe websites, clicking bad links, or through software flaws, not just by downloading files.
Teacher tip
Large malware attacks can be front-page news. The most recent examples from around the world will make this topic seem more real to pupils. Consider replacing the examples in the lesson to something more current to the time you teach it.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to their definitions.
gaining unauthorised access
disrupting online services
guessing passwords repeatedly
fraudulent communication
tricking people into sharing data
Q2.Which of the following is an example of personal data?
Q3.What is the term for a law or set of laws passed by Parliament?
Q4.What is the definition of hacking?
Q5.What is the purpose of phishing?
Q6.What does "DDoS" stand for?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is malware designed to do?
Q2.Which of the following is not a type of malware?
Q3.Match the following malware-related terms to their correct definitions.
spreads between computers and interferes with their operation
spreads through networks, slowing them down
disguised as harmless software
automated programs that perform tasks repeatedly
Q4.What is the term for malware that locks a user’s data and demands payment to restore access?
Q5.Match the following malware types to how they may infect a system.
spreads by attaching itself to files shared between computers
spreads through networks without user interaction
delivered via phishing emails or malicious downloads
Q6.Which of the following is an example of a good bot on the internet?
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Malicious software, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Malicious software, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Introduction to cybersecurity unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.