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'''Malicious software''' (or '''malware'''), often generically called viruses, is [[computer]] [[software]] which deliberately does something harmful to your computer.<ref>malware. Dictionary.com. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malware http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malware], (accessed: July 13, 2011).</ref> Once downloaded, malware can be passed from one computer to another.  Malware is usually downloaded to a computer by hiding inside rogue (and sometimes legitimate) software packages: the ''Trojan horse'' (or ''Trojan'').<ref>Definition: [http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/Trojan-horse Trojan horse], searchsecurity.techtarget.com, (Accessed July 13, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,307602,00.html Apple Macintoshes Targeted by Porn-Based Computer Virus], [[Fox News|FOXNews.com]], November 02, 2007.</ref>  

'''Malicious software''' (or '''malware'''), often generically called a virus, is [[computer]] [[software]] which deliberately does something harmful to a computer or other digital device.<ref>malware. Dictionary.com. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malware http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malware], (accessed: July 13, 2011).</ref> Once downloaded, malware can be passed from one computer to another.  Malware is usually downloaded to a computer by hiding inside rogue (and sometimes legitimate) software packages: the ''Trojan horse'' (or ''Trojan'').<ref>Definition: [http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/Trojan-horse Trojan horse], searchsecurity.techtarget.com, (Accessed July 13, 2011).</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,307602,00.html Apple Macintoshes Targeted by Porn-Based Computer Virus], [[Fox News|FOXNews.com]], November 02, 2007.</ref>  

==Symptoms==

==Symptoms==

If a [[Windows (operating system)|Windows]] or [[Mac OS X]] [[operating system]] gets infected by malware, it could cause the loss of important files; business files, digital music and movies, and pictures could be wiped out by a single infection.<ref>''The Mac Security Blog''. [http://blog.intego.com/2008/12/04/do-you-need-an-antivirus-for-your-mac-definitely-yes/ Do You Need an Antivirus for Your Mac? Definitely, Yes.], blog.intego.com, December 4, 2008.</ref> The malware may slow down the computer or become annoying by sending [[email]] to all of the infected users contacts.  Worse, it may delete or copy sensitive information on the infected computer or mobile device.

If an [[operating system]] (such as [[Windows]], or [[Mac OS]]) gets infected by malware, it could cause the loss of important files; business files, digital music and movies, and pictures could be destroyed by a single infection.<ref>''The Mac Security Blog''. [http://blog.intego.com/2008/12/04/do-you-need-an-antivirus-for-your-mac-definitely-yes/ Do You Need an Antivirus for Your Mac? Definitely, Yes.], blog.intego.com, December 4, 2008.</ref> The malware may use the infected computer to generate revenue (by displaying advertisements, farming private information, or mining [[cryptocurrency]], for example) or simply cause damage.  Malware can also interfere with industrial processes, infrastructure, and other business processes if it has access to related devices.

===Infectious Mobile Devices===

===Infectious Mobile Devices===