What is the characteristic of a virus in software terms?

A virus in software terms is characterized by its ability to cause unintended malfunctions in a system. This is typically achieved by attaching itself to legitimate programs or files and executing harmful actions without the user's consent. These actions may include corrupting data, slowing down system performance, or even allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The nature of a virus is inherently disruptive; it is designed to interfere with the normal operation of a computer system. This characteristic sets it apart from other software that may simply be benign or beneficial. By understanding how a virus operates, users can better protect their systems from the potential risks associated with malicious software.