Question

What is the term for a computer virus which has a delayed payload?

• A. Bomb
• B. Infection
• C. Trojan horses
• D. Worm

Hint:

Think of the term for malicious code that lies dormant until triggered by a set condition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This question checks basic computer security terminology, specifically the name given to malicious code that waits before it acts.

1. Bomb: In computer security, a logic bomb, often shortened to bomb, is malicious code planted inside a program that stays inactive until a specific condition is met, such as a certain date or a particular user action. This delay before the payload fires is exactly what a delayed payload virus describes.
2. Infection: Infection is a general term for the process by which a virus spreads to a file or system. It does not specifically describe a delay before the malicious action happens.
3. Trojan horses: A Trojan horse is malicious software disguised as a legitimate program to trick a user into installing it. Its defining trait is deception, not necessarily a scheduled delay.
4. Worm: A worm is malicious code that spreads across networks on its own without needing a host file, and its main trait is self replication and spreading, not a timed delayed payload.

The correct option is Bomb, since a logic bomb is the standard term for a virus or malicious code that carries a delayed payload, triggered later by a set condition.

Let's summarize:

• A logic bomb hides inside software and stays dormant until a trigger condition is met.
• Worms spread across networks, and Trojan horses rely on disguise, so neither matches the idea of a delayed payload as precisely as a bomb does.

So the correct answer is Bomb, option (a).