Malware propagation vector

The term malware propagation vector refer to the electronic method by which malware is transmitted to an information system, platform or device it seeks to infect. Email and instant messaging applications are some of the most common vectors used for spreading malware through social engineering techniques.

Any medium that enables software to be distributed or shared, however, can be a vector for malware. Examples of malware propagation or distribution vectors include the World Wide Web (WWW), removable media (such as USB storage keys), network-shared file systems, P2P file sharing networks, Internet relay chat (IRC), Bluetooth or wireless local area networks (WLAN).