logic bomb
A disgruntled employee planted a logic bomb in the company's computer system.
Noun: A piece of malicious code intentionally inserted into a software system. It remains dormant until a specific, predefined condition is met (e.g., a particular date, a certain user action, or a system state). When triggered, it executes a harmful function, such as corrupting data, deleting files, displaying false messages, or otherwise disrupting system operations.
The term is used in the context of cybersecurity, computer crime, and software integrity. It describes a type of delayed-action malware.
Examples: * The company's data was destroyed by a logic bomb set to activate on the programmer's termination date. * Security experts discovered a logic bomb in the accounting software that would trigger if a specific transaction ID was processed. * A logic bomb is different from a virus because it does not self-replicate; it waits for its specific condition.
- "to plant a logic bomb": To secretly insert a logic bomb into a system.
- The contractor was accused of planting a logic bomb in the network infrastructure.
- "to trigger/activate a logic bomb": When the specific condition is met, causing the malicious code to execute.
- The logic bomb was triggered when the system clock reached midnight on December 31st.
- Time bomb (n): A specific type of logic bomb where the trigger condition is a specific date or time.
- The malware was a time bomb set for a future holiday.
- Malware (n): Malicious software; a general category that includes logic bombs, viruses, and worms.
- Trojan horse (n): Malicious software disguised as legitimate software, which may sometimes contain a logic bomb.
- Slag code (n, informal/technical)
- Payload (n, in this specific malicious context)
- To defuse a logic bomb: To locate and neutralize the malicious code before it can execute.
- The IT team worked overnight to defuse the logic bomb.
The term emphasizes the conditional and logical nature of the attack (IF condition X is true, THEN execute harmful action Y), as opposed to malware that acts immediately or spreads indiscriminately. It is often associated with insider threats, such as disgruntled employees or contractors.
A disgruntled employee planted a logic bomb in the company's computer system.
- a set of instructions inserted into a program that are designed to execute (or `explode') if a particular condition is satisfied; when exploded it may delete or corrupt data, or print a spurious message, or have other harmful effects
- a disgruntled employee planted a logic bomb