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

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

Explanation: A computer virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files, allowing it to spread from one computer to another. Once executed, the virus can replicate itself and perform destructive actions without the user’s consent or knowledge. It can corrupt data, consume system resources, and potentially harm or take control of the system. The essence of a virus lies in its code — instructions written by individuals with malicious intent aiming to compromise computer functionality, steal information, or instigate chaos within digital environments. Hence, "code" is the most appropriate term to complete the statement.