What term is used for the final phase when a virus releases its harmful effects?

The term that describes the final phase when a virus releases its harmful effects is known as the execution phase. This phase is critical because, after being activated, the virus can perform its intended malicious actions, which may include deleting files, stealing information, or corrupting data. It's important to differentiate this phase from others involved in a virus's lifecycle.

During the dormant phase, the virus is essentially inactive and does not exhibit any harmful behavior. It may remain undetected within the system, waiting for a specific trigger or condition to activate it.

The propagation phase involves the virus replicating itself and spreading to other systems or files, but it does not encompass the point at which it actually executes its harmful functions.

The triggering phase refers to the conditions under which the virus activates, but it's distinct from the execution phase, where the actual damage occurs. Thus, the execution phase accurately captures the moment when the virus carries out its destructive activities, highlighting the significant transition from theory to action within the virus lifecycle.