Virus Definition

A self-replicating program that spreads by inserting copies of itself into other code or documents

A virus is a self-replicating program that spreads by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents. Computer viruses get their name from their resemblance to biological viruses, which spread by inserting themselves into living cells. A file that is infected by a virus is called a host. Viruses can be merely annoying, or they can cause severe damage to your computer.

Viruses are just one of several types of malware, or malicious software; however, the term virus is often used to refer to computer worms and other types of malware.

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Glossary of Terms

Adware Botnet Cracking Crimeware Cyberbullying Cybercrime Cyberstalking Cyberterrorism Data-Theft DoS-Attack Hacking Hoax-Email Identity-Theft Keylogging Madware Malware Pharming Phishing Ransomware Scareware Smishing Social-Engineering Spam Spyware Trojan Virus Vishing Website-Defacement Worm