Chapter 15 Security Profiles : AntiVirus : Antivirus concepts : Malware Threats
  
Malware Threats
Viruses
Viruses are self replicating code that install copies of themselves into other programs, data files for boot sectors of storage devices. Virus can often carry a “payload” which performs some undesirable function. These functions can include but are not limited to:
Stealing drive space
Stealing cpu cycles
Accessing private information
Corrupting data
Digital defacement or vandalism
Spamming contact lists