Which term refers to software that downloads additional malicious files from the Internet to a compromised system?

Which term refers to software that downloads additional malicious files from the Internet to a compromised system?

• A. Dropper
• B. Packer
• C. Downloader
• D. Malicious Code

Answer: (C)

The behavior described is the hallmark of a downloader. A downloader is malware whose primary job is to retrieve and install additional malicious payloads from the Internet after it compromises a system. This allows the attacker to expand the attack, update modules, or bring in new functionality without needing a new infection vector. A dropper, while related, is mainly about delivering and installing an initial payload and may or may not continue to fetch more software. A packer is used to conceal or compress a program to evade detection, not to fetch extra files. Malicious code is a broad term for harmful software, not specifically defined by the action of downloading more payloads. Hence, downloader best fits the description.

The behavior described is the hallmark of a downloader. A downloader is malware whose primary job is to retrieve and install additional malicious payloads from the Internet after it compromises a system. This allows the attacker to expand the attack, update modules, or bring in new functionality without needing a new infection vector.

A dropper, while related, is mainly about delivering and installing an initial payload and may or may not continue to fetch more software. A packer is used to conceal or compress a program to evade detection, not to fetch extra files. Malicious code is a broad term for harmful software, not specifically defined by the action of downloading more payloads. Hence, downloader best fits the description.