👉 Infectious computing refers to the phenomenon where malicious software, or "malware," spreads rapidly and autonomously across networks, much like a virus in biological systems. This form of cyberattack leverages the interconnectedness of modern computing environments, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network protocols to propagate without human intervention. Malware can spread through various vectors such as email attachments, infected websites, or compromised devices, and once it infects a system, it can replicate itself, encrypt data for ransom, or steal sensitive information. The term "infectious" highlights how these attacks can cause widespread damage and disruption, often evolving and adapting to evade detection and countermeasures. Effective prevention and mitigation strategies in infectious computing involve robust security measures, continuous monitoring, and rapid response protocols to contain and neutralize threats before they can cause significant harm.