new computer viruses and other types of malware are released all the time. Identify a current virus or worm (most security companies, such as Symantec and McAfee, list the most recent security threats on their Web sites) and asnswer the following questions: When was it introduced? What does it do? How is it spread? How many computers have been affected so far? Is there an estimated cost associated with it? Is it still in existence? At the conclusion of your research prepare a one page summary of your findings.

What kind of help do you need? The directions seem very clear to me.

where could I get the answers to these questions if you could give me a hint where to find the answers it would be greatly appreciated.

" ... such as Symantec and McAfee, list the most recent security threats on their Web sites"

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.mcafee.com/us/

Once you identify the virus or worm you want to research, then you'll need to use good researching skills -- and remember that it involves searching AND re-searching.

If you need help learning how to search, including how to choose good search terms, go here and scroll down to the links under HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/

To identify a current virus or worm, you can visit the websites of security companies like Symantec and McAfee. These companies typically provide updated information on the most recent security threats. Here's how you can gather the information you need to answer the questions:

Step 1: Visit the websites of Symantec (symantec.com) and McAfee (mcafee.com).
Step 2: Look for sections such as "Threat Intelligence" or "Threat Center."
Step 3: In these sections, you will find information about recent security threats, including viruses and worms.
Step 4: Select one of the recent threats to research and gather the required information to answer the questions.

Please note that the availability of specific viruses and worms may vary, so it's always important to check the most recent threats. Now, let's discuss how to answer each question based on your findings:

1. When was it introduced?
Look for details about the specific threat you selected. Find information about when it was first discovered or reported, as this will indicate when it was introduced or created.

2. What does it do?
Read the description or technical details provided about the threat. Look for information about what the virus or worm does to the infected computer or network, such as stealing data, encrypting files, or causing system disruptions.

3. How is it spread?
Look for information on the propagation methods used by the virus or worm. Common methods include email attachments, malicious websites, social engineering, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.

4. How many computers have been affected so far?
This information may not always be readily available. If there are statistics or estimates provided by the security company or relevant sources, note them. Keep in mind that the number of affected computers can vary widely and is often difficult to accurately measure.

5. Is there an estimated cost associated with it?
Some reports or analyses may mention the potential financial impact caused by the threat, especially if it targeted businesses or particular industries. Look for any estimated costs related to data loss, system downtime, recovery efforts, or expenses incurred due to the attack.

6. Is it still in existence?
Check if there are updates on the current status of the threat. Security companies usually provide information about the detection, removal, or mitigation measures for recent threats. If the threat is still active or evolving, it will likely be discussed in these updates.

Once you have gathered all the relevant information, you can prepare a one-page summary of your findings by organizing the answers to each question. Make sure to provide a concise and clear overview of the virus or worm, including key details such as its introduction date, activities, spreading methods, potential impact, and current status.

Remember to always consult trusted sources and updated reports for accurate and current information on computer viruses and malware.