Cybersecurity Threats: Introduction to common threats like malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks worksheets for High School: Data Science and AI Basics

📚 Topic Summary

Cybersecurity threats are like the villains in the digital world, constantly trying to steal information, disrupt services, or damage systems. For students learning data science and AI, understanding these threats is crucial because these fields rely heavily on data, and protecting that data is paramount. Common threats include malware (like viruses), phishing (fake emails or websites trying to trick you), and denial-of-service attacks (overwhelming a system to make it unavailable).

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the following terms with their definitions:

1. Term: Malware
2. Term: Phishing
3. Term: DDoS (Denial of Service)
4. Term: Virus
5. Term: Trojan Horse

Definitions:

1. A type of malware that replicates itself and spreads to other computers.
2. A type of malicious software designed to harm or disrupt a computer system.
3. An attempt to trick someone into providing sensitive information, like usernames or passwords, by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
4. A type of malware disguised as legitimate software.
5. An attack that floods a server with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the words provided: Malware, Phishing, Cybersecurity, Data, DDoS

1. __________ is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from digital attacks.

2. __________ attacks can overwhelm a server and make it unavailable.

3. __________ refers to malicious software like viruses and worms.

4. __________ attacks use deceptive emails or websites to steal your information.

5. Protecting sensitive __________ is a key aspect of cybersecurity.

💡 Part C: Critical Thinking

Imagine you receive an email that looks like it's from your school asking for your password. What steps would you take to ensure it's a legitimate request and not a phishing attempt?