Proof-of-Concept Virus

What Does Proof-of-Concept Virus Mean?

A proof-of-concept virus is a method of identifying and removing a software vulnerability or flaw by creating a virus that actually exploits that vulnerability. It is a type of non-malicious software virus that aims to identify, evaluate and remove vulnerability from a software or system.

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Techopedia Explains Proof-of-Concept Virus

A proof-of-concept virus is typically created by a virus or information security (IS) researcher. It works when a researcher, or anyone with IS and programming skills, identifies a software vulnerability, bug or error that can jeopardize that system’s security. After identification, the individual writes a virus that uses that vulnerability to exploit the software or break into the system. The individual later shares this with the owner/developer of the software or with the anti-virus vendor, in order to help them mitigate or remove it.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…