Description: The infection vector refers to the method or path by which malware, such as viruses, worms, or trojans, infiltrates a computer system. This concept is fundamental in the field of cybersecurity, as understanding how malware propagates allows security professionals to develop effective strategies to prevent and mitigate attacks. Infection vectors can vary widely, including malicious emails, downloads of infected software, contaminated USB devices, and vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. Each of these methods presents different levels of risk and requires different protective measures. For example, an email containing a malicious attachment can be a common infection vector, while a vulnerability in an operating system may allow an attacker to access a system without user interaction. Identifying and analyzing these vectors is crucial for the development of antivirus and antimalware solutions, which aim to detect and neutralize threats before they can cause harm.
