Malicious code is “[s]oftware or firmware intended to perform an unauthorized process that will have adverse impact on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an information system.”[1]
Malicious code, such as viruses or Trojan horses, are used to infect a computer to make it available for takeover and remote control. Malicious code can infect a computer if the user opens an email attachment, or click]s an innocent-looking link on a website. Malicious code can scan a victim’s computer for sensitive information, such as name, address, place and date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name, and telephone number.
References
- ↑ Comm. on Nat’l Security Sys., National Information Assurance Glossary 39 (Inst. No. 4009 (2006)).