Which of the following files would most likely hold malicious code?

EXE files are one of the most popular file types in Windows. It contains an executable program, which you can easily run by double-clicking the file. The danger: EXE files' popularity among users, importance to the Windows file system, and ease-of-use makes them the best choice for a malware attack.
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What files would hold a malicious code?

File types used in malware-related spam:
  • EXE.
  • SCR.
  • PDF.
  • VBS.
  • RTF.
  • DOC.
  • XLS.
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Can an EXE file contain something malicious?

An .exe file can be a virus, but that is certainly not true for all of them. In fact, the majority are safe to use or even necessary for your Windows system to run.
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What are some examples of malicious code?

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.
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Is a dot file dangerous?

A . dot file is a MS Word template, and it might contain malware, but that malware can only affect a Windows computer.
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Chapter 21 - Malicious Code and Application Attacks



Can opening a TXT file be harmful?

Attacks possible through text files

Gatekeeper does not prevent the opening of local files from an object with the TXT extension. Therefore, opening a malicious text file can overload a computer, for example, using the HTML code to access the /dev/zero file, an endless source of null characters.
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What is malicious code and its types?

Malicious code is the term used to describe any code in any part of a software system or script that is intended to cause undesired effects, security breaches or damage to a system. Malicious code is an application security threat that cannot be efficiently controlled by conventional antivirus software alone.
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What are the 3 most common types of malware?

The Most Common Types of Malware Attacks
  • 1) Adware. Adware serves unwanted or malicious advertising. ...
  • 2) Fileless Malware. ...
  • 3) Viruses. ...
  • 4) Worms. ...
  • 5) Trojans. ...
  • 6) Bots. ...
  • 7) Ransomware. ...
  • 8) Spyware.
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What are the 4 main types of malware?

The most common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, bots or botnets, adware, spyware, rootkits, fileless malware, and malvertising.
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Can a PDF file be malicious?

PDFs can have viruses that come embedded with a code that makes documents signable and (somewhat) editable. The mechanics are very similar to virus-infected Microsoft Word files. While their malware hides inside macros scripts, an infected PDF file will contain malicious JavaScript code.
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Are .zip files safe?

Are Zip files dangerous? Zip files are not dangerous. However, it is essential to take caution when opening files you have imported from unknown sources or the files you have downloaded from the internet. Some may contain a virus, zip bombs, Trojans, or other malware.
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How do I identify a malicious file?

How to check if a file is malicious
  1. Basic steps.
  2. Right-click the file and scan it with your security software.
  3. Get it scanned with an Online Malware Scanner.
  4. Check for Verified Publisher.
  5. Verify File Integrity with Hash Value.
  6. Use the Windows Sandbox feature.
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What is a .exe file?

An executable file (EXE file) is a computer file that contains an encoded sequence of instructions that the system can execute directly when the user clicks the file icon. Executable files commonly have an EXE file extension, but there are hundreds of other executable file formats.
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Can an exe file cause a cyber incident?

One of the most common tricks used by hackers is to get unsuspecting users to click on a malicious .exe file which leads to malware being downloaded onto a computer. They're usually sent to you as an email attachment with the email offering some form of compelling inducement to get you to open the attachment.
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Can an MSI file be a virus?

The danger: Since MSI files are usually trustworthy and commonly used for software installations, it can be difficult to spot malicious files. This provides an optimal doorway for viruses to be delivered and installed on your computer.
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What are the most common types of malicious software?

The 5 Most Common Types of Malware
  • Malware.
  • Cryptomining.
  • Mobile malware.
  • Botnet.
  • Infostealers.
  • Trojans.
  • Other malware.
  • Protection.
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What is a type of malicious software?

The most common types of malware include viruses, keyloggers, worms, trojans, ransomware / crypto-malware, logic bombs, bots/botnets, adware & spyware, and rootkits.
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What is the most common source of malware attacks?

Some Common Sources of Computer Virus Infection
  • Downloading Programs. Programs that contains the downloadable files are the commonest source of malware such as freeware, worms, and other executable files. ...
  • Pirated or Cracked Software. ...
  • Email Attachments. ...
  • Internet. ...
  • Booting Data from Unknown CDs. ...
  • Bluetooth. ...
  • Unpatched Software.
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What is malicious file?

Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.
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What are some examples of malicious code quizlet?

Terms in this set (17)
  • Adware. Pop-up ads on the side of your computer screen when you are working online (most are harmless)
  • Anti-Virus Software. Computer software used to prevent a virus attack on your computer.
  • Brower Hijacker. ...
  • Creep ware. ...
  • Firewalls. ...
  • keystroke Logger. ...
  • Ransom ware. ...
  • Risk ware.
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What is malware code?

Malware (short for “malicious software”) is a file or code, typically delivered over a network, that infects, explores, steals or conducts virtually any behavior an attacker wants. And because malware comes in so many variants, there are numerous methods to infect computer systems.
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Can BAT file contain virus?

The BAT file standard used in Windows supports a minimum set of operators for creating scripts to automate routine operations and run applications. Cybercriminals can exploit BAT files to execute malicious scripts, but the lack of code obfuscation makes such elements readily detectable by antivirus scanners.
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Which attachments may contain something malicious?

Executable Files:

One of the most dangerous types of files that hackers attach to emails is an executable file. If you open this type of file on your computer, it will almost certainly contain malicious software (also known as malware).
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What are some common types of malicious attachments hackers use?

Adware, keyloggers, Trojans and mobile spyware are all forms of spyware. Pegasus is a mobile spyware that targets iOS and Android devices.
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