A zip bomb, also known as a zip of death or decompression bomb, can cause significant damage to a computer system. It creates an exponentially growing file that can quickly overburden a computer's RAM and CPU when extracted. The resulting strain will typically cause the computer to crash, overheat and eventually shut down if not addressed. As the files keep expanding during the extraction process, the system's resources are used until it can no longer perform its normal operations. Additionally, the errant processes created by the zip bomb can potentially be used to mount a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on other computers connected to the same network, leading to temporary disruptions in internet access. Thus, it is essential to have measures in place to protect from this type of malicious attack.