Information Systems and Computer Applications CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of malicious software is designed to damage files and programs?

1. Spyware

2. Adware

3. Scareware

4. Malware

The correct answer is: Malware

Malicious software, or "malware" for short, is a type of software specifically developed to damage, disrupt, steal, or gain unauthorized access to your computer system. Spyware, adware, and scareware are all types of malware, but they each have a different specific purpose. Spyware is designed to covertly monitor and collect information about the user. Adware displays unwanted advertisements and can potentially lead to malicious websites. Scareware attempts to trick users into thinking their computer is infected with a virus, and then prompts them to purchase a fake antivirus program. While all three of these may cause harm in some way, they are not primarily designed to damage files and programs like malware is. Therefore, the best answer for this question is D Malware.