Basic Cyber Security & VirusesBasic Cyber Security & Viruses

Understanding the definition, properties, and core behavior of malicious software programs.

• Definition of Virus: A computer virus is a self-replicating program that attaches itself to clean files or legitimate programs and spreads when those files are executed.
• Boot Sector Virus: It infects the master boot record (MBR) or volume boot sector of storage media, executing before the operating system boots up completely.
• Macro Virus: Written in macro languages (such as Visual Basic for Applications) and embedded inside software documents like MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
• Polymorphic Virus: A complex virus that changes its identifiable signature every time it replicates to evade detection by conventional signature-based antivirus scanners.
• Stealth Virus: Employs various techniques to actively hide its presence from operating system utilities and antivirus software by intercepting system calls.

Examining non-virus malware categories that pose significant threats to corporate and governmental networks.

• Computer Worms: Standalone malicious programs that replicate themselves to spread from computer to computer across networks without requiring user interaction.
• Trojan Horse: Disguises itself as legitimate or useful software but performs covert malicious actions upon execution, named after the Greek mythological wooden horse.
• Spyware & Adware: Spyware covertly gathers user information (keystrokes, passwords), while Adware automatically delivers unwanted advertisements and pop-ups.
• Ransomware: Malware that locks computer screens or encrypts user files, demanding a cryptocurrency ransom for providing the decryption key.
• Rootkits: A collection of software tools designed to enable unauthorized access to a computer or an area of its software while masking its existence.

Analyzing human-centric vulnerabilities and systemic network attacks.

• Phishing & Spear Phishing: Fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal sensitive data.
• DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service floods a targeted server with internet traffic to prevent legitimate users from accessing services.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): An attack where the cybercriminal secretly intercepts and relays communications between two parties who believe they are directly communicating.
• Zero-Day Exploit: A cyber attack that targets a software vulnerability that is unknown to the software vendor or hardware manufacturer, leaving zero days for defense.

Understanding protective tools, protocols, and the legal framework in India.

• Antivirus & Firewall: Antivirus detects and removes malware, while a firewall monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
• CERT-In: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents under the Ministry of MeitY.
• IT Act 2000 Sections: Section 66 deals with computer-related offenses, Section 66C punishes identity theft, and Section 66D covers cheating by personating using computer resources.
• Digital Signatures: A mathematical scheme for verifying the authenticity of digital messages or documents, governed under Section 3 of the IT Act.