What is malicious code and can I download it accidentally using Skype?
Malicious code is a computer program put on your computer either without your knowledge (such as when you browse an infected website) or which you are tricked into installing. Such code is called “malicious” because its creators want to use it to annoy, scam, or harm you or others, either through: • Damaging your computer’s inner systems, such as wiping its data or interfering with effectiveness. • Using your computer to relay spam emails and viruses to your friends and contacts over the internet without your knowledge (a network of such infected computers is called a “botnet”). • Spying on your activities to steal personal information to be used in identity theft (such programs are called “spyware”.
