What is the dormant phase of a virus?

The dormant phase of a virus is characterized by a period of inactivity, where the virus remains idle and does not exhibit any symptoms of its presence or spread. During this phase, the virus may reside on a system or within a file without taking any action until certain conditions are met that trigger its activation. This could occur based on a specific date, the presence of a certain application, or an event that prompts the virus to execute its code.

Understanding this phase is crucial in the context of security because it highlights how viruses can remain undetected for extended periods, posing a significant threat to systems once activated. This ability to lie dormant allows the virus to avoid detection by security systems, making it more dangerous as it can propagate when least expected.