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Question

Which type of computer virus attaches itself to executable files and gets activated when the file is run?

The correct answer is

File Infector Virus

A File Infector Virus (also called a file-injecting or parasitic virus) is a type of malware that attaches its own code to executable program files, typically those with extensions such as .exe or .com. It lies dormant inside the host file and is triggered only when the user runs that program, which is exactly the behaviour described in the question.

Once the infected program is launched, the virus code executes first (or alongside the program) and can:

  • Copy itself into other executable files on the same computer, spreading the infection.
  • Corrupt, overwrite or delete data.
  • Degrade system performance or open the door to further malware.

Because activation depends on the host file being executed, this class of virus needs a host program to survive and spread, distinguishing it from self-standing malware.

The other options behave differently. A Boot Sector Virus infects the master boot record or boot sector of a disk and loads when the computer starts up, not when a program is run. A Macro Virus hides in the macros of documents such as Word or Excel files and triggers when the document is opened, targeting data files rather than executables. A Worm is not strictly a virus at all: it is self-replicating and spreads across networks on its own, without needing to attach to or wait for a host file to be executed. Since the defining clue is attachment to executable files with activation on running them, the correct answer is the File Infector Virus.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which type of computer virus attaches itself to executable files and gets activated when the file is run?

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Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :

  2. A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:

  3. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c), and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The deluge affected the population.
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  5. Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?

    1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.

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    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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