Malware
Computer Virus
Also known as: Computer virus, File-infecting virus
Definition
Malicious code that inserts copies of itself into other programs or files and executes when the host is run.
Examples
- ILOVEYOU (2000), a VBScript virus spread through email attachments.
- CIH/Chernobyl, which corrupted firmware and disk data on infected PCs.
Related terms
Computer Worm
Self-replicating malware that propagates across networks autonomously, without requiring a host file or user interaction.
Macro Virus
A virus written in the macro language of an office application that runs when an infected document is opened and macros are enabled.
Boot Sector Virus
A virus that infects the boot sector or master boot record of a disk so it runs before the operating system loads.
Resident Virus
A virus that installs itself in memory so it can run continuously and infect files or processes long after its host program has exited.
Polymorphic Malware
Malware that changes its on-disk appearance — typically via re-encryption or packing — for each infection, while keeping its core logic intact.
Malware
Any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, or data.