Fill in the blank: A computer virus is malicious _____ that interferes with computer operations and causes damage.1 pointcodehardwareformattingsequencing

Answer

A computer virus is malicious code that interferes with computer operations and causes damage.

Explanation

In the context of computer science, a virus is a type of malware designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another, often without the user's knowledge. This replication occurs by attaching itself to legitimate software or files. The term "code" in this instance refers to the programming instructions that make up the virus. Unlike hardware, which consists of the physical components of a computer, or formatting, which pertains to organizing data, code is what enables the virus to perform malicious activities such as corrupting files, stealing information, or disrupting normal operations. Understanding the role of code in viruses is crucial for effective cybersecurity measures and for developing software that can defend against such threats.