What Is Malicious Code ?
Computer programming scripts that are malicious and designed to create or exploit system vulnerabilities are examples of malicious code. The author of this code is a threat actor who intends to use it to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, make unwanted modifications to those systems, or both.
The execution of malicious code could lead to the opening of back doors, breaches in system security, the theft of information and data, and other types of possible damage to files and computer systems.
Possible Effects Of Malicious Code
It is possible for malicious code to break into systems on its own, to enable additional malicious behavior, or to duplicate and propagate itself.
In any event, the initial code will need to be transferred from one device to another. These dangers are able to spread over practically every communication link that can send and receive data.
The following are examples of common vectors :
- Online networks
- such as intranets, peer-to-peer file-sharing, public websites on the internet, and so on.
- Social communications
- email, SMS, push content, mobile messaging apps, etc.
- Connectivity by wireless
- means, such as Bluetooth and the like.
- Direct device interfaces
- such as USB and others.
The most common ways for malicious malware to enter your system are when you go to a website that has been compromised, click on a link or attachment in an email that has been compromised, or both. However, this danger might come from quite respectable sources in addition to those who are deliberately hostile.
These goals have been used to abuse everything from public USB charging stations to compromised software update programs. The “packing” of malicious code isn’t often visible, but the most critical pathways to monitor for are public data connections and any messaging service. Downloads and links to URLs are common vectors for the injection of malicious code by cybercriminals.
Types of malicious code
There are a variety of malicious code types that, when executed on your computer, might cause damage by locating access points that lead to your valuable data.
The following are some of the more widespread offenders on the ever-growing list.
Viruses
Malicious code that replicates itself and attaches itself to macro-enabled programs in order to run is known as a virus. Your device can become infected with a virus if you download these files, which are spread through documents and other file downloads.
After the virus has been activated, it is able to disseminate itself and make its way through the system as well as any associated networks.
Trojans
Trojans are decoy files that have harmful code payloads. In order for the Trojan to execute, the user must use the file or program that it is attached to. These dangers are not capable of self-replication or spreading on their own.
Nevertheless, the payload they deliver could be infected with viruses, worms, or some other kind of programming.
Worms
Worms are a type of malicious programming that, like viruses, may replicate themselves and disseminate themselves without the need for any additional human intervention.
After a computer worm has successfully infiltrated your system, it is possible for these dangerous threats to carry out their activities without any aid from a user-executed program at all.
Backdoor attacks
Application backdoor access may be developed in order to provide a cybercriminal with remote access to a system that has been compromised. A backdoor can allow an attacker to become an advanced persistent threat (APT), in addition to revealing sensitive data such as confidential company information.
After that, cybercriminals have the ability to travel laterally through the system using their newly obtained access level, delete files from a machine, or even install spyware.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting is a form of malicious code injection that can disrupt a user’s web browsing experience by interfering with the web apps that the user may access. This frequently modifies the content of a website, intercepts personal information, or serves as a vector for spreading an infection to the user’s device.
