In a computer
program, a logic bomb, also called slag code, is programming code,
inserted surreptitiously or intentionally, that is designed to execute (or
"explode") under circumstances such as the lapse of a certain amount
of time or the failure of a a program user to respond to a program command. To be considered a logic bomb, the payload should be unwanted and
unknown to the user of the software It is in effect a delayed-action
computer virus or Trojan horse. A logic bomb, when
"exploded," may be designed to display or print a spurious message,
delete or corrupt data, or have other undesirable effects
Some logic bombs
can be detected and eliminated before they execute through a periodic scan of
all computer files, including compressed files, with an up-to-date anti-virus
program. For best results, the auto-protect and e-mail screening functions of
the anti-virus program should be activated by the computer user whenever the
machine is online. In a network, each computer should be individually
protected, in addition to whatever protection is provided by the network
administrator. Unfortunately, even this precaution does not guarantee
100-percent system immunity.
Time Bomb
When a logic bomb is programmed to
execute when a specific date is reached, it is referred to as a time bomb. Time
bombs are usually programmed to set off when important dates are reached, such
as Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Disgruntled employees have created time bombs
to execute within their organizations’ networks and destroy as much data as
possible in the event that they are terminated. The malicious code will remain
dormant as long as the programmer exists in the organization’s payroll system.
How to
Prevent them
- Do not download pirated
software
- Install the latest operating system patches
- Be careful with installing shareware/freeware applications
- Be cautious when opening email attachments
- Do not click on suspicious web links
- Always update your antivirus software
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