A malicious code attack refers to the deployment of harmful software or scripts designed to cause unwanted outcomes, compromise security, or inflict damage on a system. This broad category encompasses various cyber threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans, backdoors, and malicious active content.
Malicious code attacks can involve known strains of malware that can be detected and blocked by traditional antivirus software. However, there are advanced malware techniques such as permutation, encryption, rootkits, and antimalware evasion methods, which require advanced anti-malware protection based on behavioral analysis. Once infiltrated, malicious code can spread throughout network drives and propagate.