Which type of virus can change its own code and then cipher itself multiple times as it replicates?

Question

Options

• AStealth virus
• BTunneling virus
• CCavity virus
• DEncryption virus

• C
  6% (1)
• D
  94% (15)

Explanation

Encryption viruses (also called polymorphic viruses) are specifically designed to alter their own code and encrypt/cipher themselves multiple times during replication, making them extremely difficult for antivirus software to detect since their signature changes with each iteration. A Stealth virus (A) is incorrect because it focuses on hiding its presence from the operating system by intercepting system calls, not on self-encryption. A Tunneling virus (B) bypasses security software by installing itself beneath the OS at a lower interrupt level, which is unrelated to code-ciphering. A Cavity virus (C) is wrong because it hides within empty spaces of executable files without changing the file size, rather than encrypting itself repeatedly.

Memory Tip: Think of "E" for Encryption = Evasion through encoding - an encryption virus "locks" itself in a new disguise each time it copies itself, just like changing the combination on a lock with every use. If a question mentions changing code + ciphering + replication, those three clues together always point to an Encryption virus.

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