Malware: malicious software
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe malware and explain how it attacks systems.
Key learning points
- Malware is malicious software designed to harm, steal, or disrupt computer systems.
- There are different types of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
- Each type of malware works differently, but they often trick users into downloading or installing them.
- Malware can cause serious damage, such as data loss, system failure or financial loss.
Keywords
Malware - malicious software - a program designed to cause damage to computer systems, corrupt or change files, steal data or cause disruption to services
Infect - to spread something harmful like a virus or malware into a system
Stealing - the act of taking something that doesn’t belong to you, without permission and with no intention of giving it back
Ransom - the money cybercriminals demand after locking files or systems
Common misconception
Malware only affects computers, not phones or tablets.
Malware can infect any idevice that is connected to the internet, including smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. Mobile malware is increasingly common and can steal data, track location or lock users out of their devices — just like on computers.
Teacher tip
Incorporate storytelling to explain how malware spreads and impacts victims. Turn famous or recent malware incidents into short, engaging stories. Storytelling helps students remember key concepts and see the human side of cybersecurity threats, making lessons more impactful.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is social engineering?
Q2.Which of the following is NOT a social engineering technique?
Q3.Who is the target in social engineering attacks?
Q4.What is the social engineering technique where someone pretends to be a trusted person to gain confidential information?
Q5.What is the social engineering technique where cybercriminals use fake emails or websites to trick people into revealing confidential information?
Q6.What is the technique called where users are redirected to fake websites to steal their information?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for software designed to harm, exploit or secretly control a system or device?
Q2.What is the main goal of ransomware?
Q3.How does spyware affect a user?
Q4.What does a trojan malware disguise itself as?
Q5.What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
Q6.Which of the following statements about malware is True?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Malware: malicious software, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Malware: 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 4 computer science lessons from the Cyber threats and security unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.