What is a characteristic shared by all devices that can be infected by a computer virus?
Multiple Choice
A. They are laptops and desktop computers.
B. They are PC-based.
C. They are connected to the Internet.
D. They are all relatively old devices.
Answer (2)
All devices that can be infected by a computer virus are connected to the Internet, which allows viruses to spread. This connection exposes devices to various cyber threats, making them vulnerable to infection. Therefore, option C is the correct choice.
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The characteristic shared by all devices that can be infected by a computer virus is (C) They are connected to the Internet.
Let's break down the concepts involved:
Computer Virus Definition : A computer virus is a type of malicious software program ('malware') designed to spread from host to host and has the ability to replicate itself. In other words, computer viruses can self-replicate and spread either by infecting files or the host operating system.
How Infections Occur : For a device to be infected by a virus, it typically needs to be connected to a network, like the Internet, where viruses can be transmitted. Viruses are often spread through downloads, email attachments, or visiting compromised websites.
Why the Internet is Key : The Internet acts as the primary vector for spreading viruses. Once connected to the Internet, devices can receive data that might include a computer virus. Without this connection, the pathways for the virus to reach the device are significantly reduced.
Therefore, the crucial aspect that allows devices to become infected by a virus is their Internet connectivity, making option (C) the correct choice.
