Which of the following is not an example of malicious code?
(1 point)
• Trojan horse
O worm
O virus
• spy gear
spy gear
The correct answer is: spy gear.
To determine which of the options is not an example of malicious code, let's define each term and identify their characteristics:
1. Trojan horse: A Trojan horse is a type of malicious code that disguises itself as a legitimate software or file to trick users into running or downloading it. Once executed, it can perform various harmful activities on a computer without the user's knowledge or permission.
2. Worm: A worm is a self-replicating type of malware that spreads across computer networks, exploiting vulnerabilities to infect other computers. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to existing files or programs to replicate.
3. Virus: A computer virus is a form of malicious software that infects legitimate files or programs and replicates itself when the infected files or programs are executed. Viruses can cause damage by overwriting or altering data, corrupting files, or spreading to other systems.
4. Spyware: Although not mentioned as an option, spyware is a type of malicious software that secretly monitors and collects information about a user's activities on a device. It can track keystrokes, capture passwords, log browsing history, and transmit the collected data to a third party without the user's consent.
Based on the definitions, the example that is not considered malicious code is "spy gear." It may refer to surveillance equipment or tools, which can be used for lawful purposes and not necessarily associated with malicious intent or actions. Therefore, "spy gear" is the correct answer as it does not fall under the category of malicious code.