Malware classification: Virus (needs a host program, self-replicates when host runs — Melissa was first major email virus), Worm (self-replicating WITHOUT host program — Code Red, spreads through networks independently), Trojan Horse (disguised as legitimate software, does NOT self-replicate — Sub7, Remote Access Trojans), Ransomware (encrypts files, demands payment for decryption key — WannaCry), Spyware (secretly monitors user activity), Adware (displays unwanted advertisements). Key distinction: Worms self-replicate WITHOUT host; Trojans do NOT self-replicate at all.

Phishing: Fraudulent emails/websites that mimic legitimate ones to steal credentials (passwords, credit card numbers). Common method: email spoofing — email appears to come from a trusted source. Snooping: Unauthorized access to someone's data/files on a computer. Eavesdropping: Intercepting communication between two parties. IMPORTANT: Snooping and eavesdropping ARE different (REET trick says they're same — wrong). Snooping = accessing stored data, Eavesdropping = intercepting live communication.

Protection measures: Antivirus software detects and removes malware. Firewall monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules — it CAN protect computers (REET trick says it cannot — wrong). Strong passwords: mix of lowercase + uppercase + special characters + numbers, minimum 8-12 characters. Safe viewing distance from computer screen: 19-24 inches.

Network security concepts: Encryption (converting data into coded form), Decryption (converting coded data back), Digital signature (electronic authentication), SSL/HTTPS (secure web communication). Malware is installed WITHOUT user consent (not WITH — common trick). Software Piracy, Online Predators, and Trojan Horses are threats; Anti-Virus is PROTECTION (not a threat — trick question).

Net etiquette (Netiquette): Includes avoiding copyright violations, reporting cyber bullies, blocking trolls, maintaining privacy (not 'avoiding privacy' — that's the REET trick), respecting others' opinions, not sharing personal information with strangers. WAN (Wide Area Network) CONNECTS various LANs and MANs (not 'disconnects' — another common trick).

REET Exam Tips: 6 questions. Focus on: virus vs worm vs trojan distinctions (host requirement, self-replication), snooping ≠ eavesdropping, firewall CAN protect, malware installed WITHOUT consent, and safe viewing distance (19-24 inches).