Malicious code is software, a script, or an altered program intended to perform unauthorized or harmful actions on a device or network. The term includes malware such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware, as well as harmful macros or commands. Depending on its function, it may exploit a software weakness, execute with a user’s permissions, disrupt availability, or modify, destroy, or collect data.
Security teams should treat malicious code as both a prevention and detection concern: keep operating systems and applications patched, restrict unnecessary scripting and privileges, and use endpoint controls that identify unusual execution or persistence. Network and host telemetry can support investigation, while isolation and recovery from known-good backups can limit damage after execution. Analysis of samples and indicators can also guide threat intelligence and vulnerability-management priorities, but suspected code should be handled carefully to avoid executing it on production systems or exposing collected data.