CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is a logic bomb?

1. A type of malicious software that executes randomly

2. A script that runs continuously in the background

3. A malicious code that activates on a specific trigger or time

4. A software used for data encryption

The correct answer is: A malicious code that activates on a specific trigger or time

A logic bomb is specifically defined as a piece of malicious code that is designed to execute a particular action when certain conditions are met, such as a specific time or event occurring. This could mean that the malicious code activates on a certain date or is triggered by a specific action taken by a user, such as opening a certain file or logging into a computer. Because of this triggering mechanism, logic bombs are often hidden within legitimate software and can remain dormant until the triggering event occurs. Knowing this clearly aligns with the characteristics of a logic bomb, highlighting its ability to act at a predetermined moment rather than through spontaneous or random execution, which is typically associated with other types of malware that execute at random. Understanding this behavior is essential for recognizing potential security threats in software environments.