← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Anti-spyware software

Software that scans for and removes spyware, and blocks programs that secretly monitor the user, such as key loggers. It can scan on demand or protect in real time.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.3 Cyber Security — Module 34

Understanding Anti-spyware software in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: After a scan finds spyware, anti-spyware removes it so that it can no longer record what the user types. A key logger is spyware because it secretly records keystrokes, so anti-spyware looks for it and blocks it. A scan searches the device for spyware. Encryption is a different security measure. Real-time protection works all the time in the background, so spyware is stopped before it can start monitoring.

Common mistakes: An IF statement must end with THEN. The line should be: IF file IN spy_list THEN. This is how a scan checks each file against known spyware. Real-time protection should act on spyware, not on safe downloads. The condition should be: IF download IS spyware THEN, so only the spyware is blocked.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 553–577) and word search (Modules 553–607).

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Learning
Duo
What is the main job of anti-spyware software?
Speed up the internet connectionScan for and remove programs that secretly monitor the user
Matches
IF scan_finished THEN real_time_protection = OFF
↓
Turning real-time protection off after a scan leaves the computer open to new spyware. It should stay ON so spyware is blocked as it tries to run.
Applying
Meanings
Term
anti-spyware
Meaning
Software that scans for and removes spyware, and blocks programs that secretly monitor the user, such as key loggers. It can scan on demand or protect in real time.
Practice
REPEAT
Testing
Gaps
antispyware.("C:/Downloads")
Check Answer
Spots
1FOR EACH file IN scan_list
2 IF file IN spy_list

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Quick Questions

1. What is the main job of anti-spyware software?
A. Scan for and remove programs that secretly monitor the user ✓
B. Speed up the internet connection
Anti-spyware finds and removes spyware, such as key loggers, that secretly watches what the user does.
2. Which program could anti-spyware software detect and remove?
A. A key logger that records every key you type ✓
B. A word processor that you installed on purpose
A key logger is spyware because it secretly records keystrokes, so anti-spyware looks for it and blocks it.
3. Which describes a scan for spyware?
A. The software checks files and programs on the device for known spyware ✓
B. The software encrypts every file so that no one can read it
A scan searches the device for spyware. Encryption is a different security measure.
4. What does real-time protection in anti-spyware do?
A. It only checks for spyware when the computer is switched off
B. It watches constantly and blocks spyware as it tries to install or run ✓
Real-time protection works all the time in the background, so spyware is stopped before it can start monitoring.
5. What is the benefit of real-time protection over a manual scan only?
A. The user no longer needs to install any software
B. Spyware is blocked straight away, not found days later ✓
A manual scan only finds spyware when it is run. Real-time protection stops spyware as it appears.

Match the Pairs

scan_for_spyware(computer) → Runs an on-demand scan that searches the files and memory of a computer for hidden spyware
real_time_protection = ON → Anti-spyware watches continuously and blocks a spying program as soon as it tries to install or run
Anti-spyware removes any spyware that a scan has found, such as a key logger → IF spyware_found THEN remove(spyware)
Anti-virus focuses on viruses, while anti-spyware focuses on programs that secretly monitor the user → IF program_logs_keystrokes THEN block(program)
IF scan_finished THEN real_time_protection = OFF → Turning real-time protection off after a scan leaves the computer open to new spyware. It should stay ON so spyware is blocked as it tries to run.
anti-spyware encrypts the keystrokes sent by a key logger → Anti-spyware does not encrypt keystrokes. It scans for, removes and blocks the spyware that records them.

Key Term

anti-spyware
Software that scans for and removes spyware, and blocks programs that secretly monitor the user, such as key loggers. It can scan on demand or protect in real time.

Fill in the Blanks

1. antispyware.scan("C:/Downloads")
Hint: Type the method name that checks files for hidden spyware.
2. antispyware.remove(spyware)
Hint: Type the method name that deletes the spyware once it is found.
3. antispyware.realtime ← ON
Hint: Type the setting value that keeps protection running all the time.
4. IF spywareFound = TRUE THEN remove
Hint: Type the Boolean value that means spyware has been detected.
5. antispyware.block(keylogger)
Hint: Type the method name that stops a key logger from secretly monitoring the user.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A FOR EACH file IN scan_list
B IF file IN spy_list
C quarantine(file)
D ENDIF
E NEXT file
Line B — An IF statement must end with THEN. The line should be: IF file IN spy_list THEN. This is how a scan checks each file against known spyware.
Question 2
A WHILE computer_is_on
B IF download IS safe THEN
C block(download)
D ENDWHILE
Line B — Real-time protection should act on spyware, not on safe downloads. The condition should be: IF download IS spyware THEN, so only the spyware is blocked.
Question 3
A tool ← "anti-spyware"
B target ← key loggers
C PRINT tool, "removes", target
Line B — Text values must be in quotes. Without them, key and loggers would be read as variable names. It should be: target ← "key loggers".
Question 4
A realtime ← FALSE
B WHILE realtime = TRUE
C watch_programs()
D ENDWHILE
Line A — Real-time protection must be switched on. If realtime is FALSE the loop never runs, so no programs are watched. It should be: realtime ← TRUE.
Question 5
A PROCEDURE scan drive
B FOR EACH file IN drive
C check(file)
D NEXT file
E ENDPROCEDURE
Line A — The parameter must be in brackets after the procedure name. The line should be: PROCEDURE scan(drive). This procedure scans every file on a drive for spyware.

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