← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Adware

Software that shows unwanted adverts, such as pop-ups, often installed with free programs, to earn money for its creator. It can slow a device, redirect searches and track users.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.3 Cyber Security — Module 11, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Cyber Security Threats and Vulnerabilities — Module 25, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 37

Understanding Adware in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Constantly loading adverts and running in the background uses processing power and memory, so the device slows down. Redirected searches send the user to advert pages instead of the results they wanted, which earns the creator money. Adware displays unwanted adverts to make money. Encrypting files and demanding payment describes ransomware. Adware is often bundled with free programs. It then shows pop-up adverts. A DoS attack floods a server and does not cause pop-ups on one device. Some adware also acts like spyware. It records browsing habits so that it can show targeted adverts. Antivirus and anti-malware software can scan for adware and remove it. A monitor has no effect on security.

Common mistakes: Adware is usually installed alongside free programs, not antivirus updates. The line should be source ← "free programs". Lots of pop-up adverts are a sign of adware, so the program should warn the user with OUTPUT "Possible adware", not say the device is safe.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 520–546) and word search (Modules 510–546).

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Learning
Duo
Which best describes adware?
Software that encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock themSoftware that shows unwanted adverts to earn money for its creator
Matches
adware = software that steals files and demands a ransom
↓
This describes ransomware, not adware. Adware shows unwanted adverts to earn money for its creator.
Applying
Meanings
Term
adware
Meaning
Software that shows unwanted adverts, such as pop-ups, often installed with free programs, to earn money for its creator. It can slow a device, redirect searches and track users.
Practice
IF popUps = TRUE OR redirected = TRUE THEN
Testing
Gaps
"Adware suspected"
Check Answer
Spots
2maker ← "earns money"
3source ← "antivirus updates"

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Quick Questions

1. Which best describes adware?
A. Software that encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them
B. Software that shows unwanted adverts to earn money for its creator ✓
Adware displays unwanted adverts to make money. Encrypting files and demanding payment describes ransomware.
2. A student installs a free game and pop-up adverts start appearing all the time. What is the most likely cause?
A. A denial of service attack on the game
B. Adware installed alongside the free game ✓
Adware is often bundled with free programs. It then shows pop-up adverts. A DoS attack floods a server and does not cause pop-ups on one device.
3. A browser keeps sending a student's searches to a site full of adverts they never chose. Which is the likely threat?
A. Adware redirecting browser searches ✓
B. A firewall blocking the search
Some adware redirects searches to advert pages so its creator earns money. A firewall does not redirect searches to adverts.
4. Why do adware creators make adware?
A. To earn money from the adverts shown ✓
B. To delete the files on the device
The main aim of adware is to earn money for its creator through adverts. Deleting files is not its usual aim.
5. How can adware affect a device?
A. It can slow the device down ✓
B. It makes the device run faster
Adware runs in the background and shows adverts, which uses memory and processing power. This can slow the device.

Match the Pairs

adware → Software that shows unwanted adverts, such as pop-ups, to earn money for its creator
free_game_installer.exe → A typical way adware arrives: bundled with a free program the user chose to install
Adware slows the device because it keeps running adverts and background tasks → device_speed = slow
Adware can redirect browser searches to sites full of adverts → search("news") -> ad_site.com
adware = software that steals files and demands a ransom → This describes ransomware, not adware. Adware shows unwanted adverts to earn money for its creator.
adware_tracks_users = false // adware never tracks anyone → Some adware also tracks users, such as the sites they visit, so adverts can be targeted at them.

Key Term

adware
Software that shows unwanted adverts, such as pop-ups, often installed with free programs, to earn money for its creator. It can slow a device, redirect searches and track users.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IF popups > 0 THEN OUTPUT "Adware suspected" ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that displays a message when unwanted pop-up adverts are detected.
2. IF searchSite <> chosenSite THEN OUTPUT "Searches redirected" ENDIF
Hint: Type the comparison operator meaning not equal, used to spot a redirected browser search.
3. IF cpuUsage > 90 AND popups > 0 THEN OUTPUT "Adware slows device" ENDIF
Hint: Type the logical operator that needs both conditions to be true, linking a slow device and pop-ups.
4. IF adTracks = TRUE THEN OUTPUT "Privacy is at risk" ENDIF
Hint: Type the Boolean value that shows this adware also tracks the user.
5. IF bundledAdware = TRUE THEN OUTPUT "Untick extra software" ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that closes a selection statement.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A adware ← "unwanted adverts"
B maker ← "earns money"
C source ← "antivirus updates"
Line C — Adware is usually installed alongside free programs, not antivirus updates. The line should be source ← "free programs".
Question 2
A popups ← 8
B IF popups > 5 THEN
C OUTPUT "Device is safe"
D ENDIF
Line C — Lots of pop-up adverts are a sign of adware, so the program should warn the user with OUTPUT "Possible adware", not say the device is safe.
Question 3
A WHILE adware = TRUE
B SHOW popup
C speed ← speed - 10
D NEXT i
Line D — A WHILE loop must end with ENDWHILE. NEXT i belongs to a FOR loop. The line should be ENDWHILE.
Question 4
A INPUT search
B IF adware = FALSE THEN
C search ← "ad-site.com"
D ENDIF
Line B — Adware redirects searches only when it is present on the device. The condition should be IF adware = TRUE THEN.
Question 5
A adware ← TRUE
B tracked ← "nothing at all"
C OUTPUT tracked
Line B — Some adware also tracks users, for example the sites they visit, to target adverts. It does not track nothing. The line should be tracked ← "sites you visit".

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