Glossary: Modern Vulnerabilities, Malware and Physical Attacks

Virus

Also written: file virus, viruses

Malware that attaches itself to a host such as a program or document, runs when a person opens that host, and copies itself into other hosts. Unlike a worm, it needs a user to start it.

Where the book teaches it

Chapter 3: Malware, part 1: ransomware, trojans, worms, spyware and adware
Chapter 4: Malware, part 2: viruses, rootkits, keyloggers, logic bombs and fileless malware

Related terms

Macro virus Boot sector virus Polymorphic virus Worm