Malicious code can take forms such as a virus, worm or Trojan. It can hide behind an infected web page or disguise itself in a downloadable game, screen saver or email attachment. Computer viruses are programs that spread or self-replicate.

What is a malicious code?

Malicious code is unwanted files or programs that can cause harm to a computer or compromise data stored on a computer. Various classifications of malicious code include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

What does malicious code prevention do?

To prevent viral propagation to other networked devices or harmful effects to the network, computers infected with viruses, worms or other forms of malicious code may be disconnected from the network until the infection has been removed.

Taking advantage of common system vulnerabilities, malicious code examples include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, logic bombs, spyware, adware, and backdoor programs. Visiting infected websites or clicking on a bad email link or attachment are ways for malicious code to sneak its way into a system.