Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What is a virus in the context of cybersecurity?

1. A piece of code that can self-replicate and corrupt files

2. A tool for improving system performance

3. A program that enhances user data security

4. A method of data backup

The correct answer is: A piece of code that can self-replicate and corrupt files

In the context of cybersecurity, a virus is defined as a piece of code that can self-replicate and corrupt files. This is an essential characteristic of viruses; they can attach themselves to legitimate programs or files, enabling them to spread to other systems. Once executed, a virus can perform harmful actions, such as deleting files or stealing sensitive information, making it a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. Understanding viruses is crucial as they represent one of the oldest and most common forms of malware, highlighting the need for effective cybersecurity measures to detect and prevent their spread. The other choices describe functions or tools that are typically beneficial to computer performance or security but do not align with the definition of a virus. Examples include performance-enhancing tools, programs focused on enhancing data security, or methods for backing up data, all of which serve positive purposes rather than harmful ones like a virus does.