The correct term for when a computer virus begins to affect data and causes damage is a 'virus infection'. This term describes the process of the virus attaching, replicating, and spreading within the system, leading to various negative impacts including data corruption.
When a computer virus starts to impact the data, it is known as c. Virus infection.
A virus infection in the context of computers refers to the process where a malicious program infiltrates and compromises a system. This can lead to cytopathic effects similar to those seen in biological viruses, where the replication cycle of the virus causes damage to the host cell. In a computer, the virus attaches to a host file or system, penetrates its defenses, replicates itself, and then spreads to other files or systems. This causes data corruption, loss of functionality, and can disrupt the normal operations of the computer. Identity theft, financial theft, and other security breaches often result from such infections, causing not only data loss but also significant financial and reputational damage.
Therefore, the correct term for when a computer virus begins to affect data is virus infection, as it encapsulates the entry, proliferation, and consequent damage caused by the virus within the computer's ecosystem.