Computer virus

[#1]

Computer virus

---

Definition

A computer virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.Infected computer programs can include, as well, data files, or the boot sector of the hard drive. When this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected" with a computer virus.

The term virus is also commonly, but erroneously, used to refer to other types of malware. Malware encompasses computer viruses along with many other forms of malicious software, such as computer worms, trojan horses, keyloggers and other malicious software.

---

References

1. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus

Article in other languages:

• Deutsch