Malicious code (malware). Malware is a broad category; however, it is typically
software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s
informed consent. As shown in Figure 1.5, the most commonly identifiable types of
malware are viruses, worms, backdoors, and Trojans. Particularly difficult to
identify are root kits, which alter the kernel of the operating system.
• Social engineering. The art of manipulating people into performing actions or
divulging confidential information. Similar to a confidence trick or simple fraud,
the term typically applies to trickery to gain information or computer system
access; in most cases, the attacker never comes face to face with the victim.