Virus

Information Technology Terminology

Used to describe a malware program that typically is destructive, such as erasure of important files or compromising a system's security and computational resources.

Viruses of this nature do not destroy hardware themselves, but can disrupt systems. Viruses are "spread" through downloaded attachments or computer programs that claim to be something (such as a picture, an important computer update, or game) that they are not. They can also be spread through the use of a backdoor, which allows a user to remotely install the virus without the user's knowledge.

The Cylons, through the use of their Raiders, transmitted a virus utilizing the backdoors programmed in the CNP used in Colonial military ships. This permitted the easy slaughter of countless billions of sentients. This tactic was also used during the first Cylon War. (Mini-Series)

See also: Computer Viruses

Biological Viruses

Transmittable diseases of a non-bacterial nature that cause various ailments, such as the Common Cold or the Flu.

See: Virus