A logic bomb is a type of malicious code that is inserted into a software program and remains dormant until a specific condition or event occurs, such as a certain date, time, or user action. When the condition is met, the logic bomb activates and executes its harmful payload, which can range from deleting or corrupting data, to displaying unwanted messages, to crashing the system. Logic bombs are often used by disgruntled employees or hackers to sabotage an organization’s IT infrastructure or to extort money or information. Logic bombs are different from keyloggers, spam, and viruses, which are explained below:
A keylogger is a software or hardware device that records every keystroke made by a user on a computer or mobile device, usually for the purpose of stealing passwords, personal information, or other sensitive data. Keyloggers can be installed by hackers through phishing, trojan viruses, or physical access to the device. Keyloggers do not wait for a specific condition to activate, but rather run continuously in the background and transmit the captured data to a remote server or storage device.
Spam is any kind of unwanted, unsolicited, or irrelevant digital communication that is sent or posted to a large number of recipients or places, typically for the purposes of advertising, phishing, spreading malware, or disrupting normal operations. Spam can be delivered via email,text message, phone call, or social media. Spam does not contain hidden code that executes a harmful action, but rather relies on the user’s response or interaction to achieve its goal, such as clicking a link, opening an attachment, or providing personal information.
A virus is a type of malware that infects a computer or mobile device by attaching itself to another program or file and replicating itself when the host program or file is executed. A virus can have various harmful effects, such as deleting or modifying data, consuming system resources, displaying unwanted messages, or opening backdoors for hackers. A virus can spread from one device to another through networks, removable media, or email attachments. A virus does not require a specific condition to activate, but rather runs whenever the infected program or file is executed.
References:
Logic Bomb Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
What is a Keylogger? How to Detect a Keylogger? - Fortinet
Spam | What is Spam? | Definition & Types of Spam
Virus | Definition, Structure, & Facts | Britannica
