Final answer:
A time bomb is a virus that is triggered on a certain date. It is a type of malware designed to activate or cause damage to a computer system at a specific time. Time bombs are often used by hackers for malicious activities. Option D is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A time bomb represents a category of malware distinguished by its activation mechanism based on a predetermined date or time. This malicious software is intentionally designed to execute or inflict harm upon a computer system at a specified moment. Hackers commonly deploy time bombs to facilitate various nefarious activities, including data theft and the deliberate disruption of computer networks. What sets a time bomb apart from other forms of malware, such as worms, macros, and logic bombs, is its reliance on a time-specific trigger.
In contrast to dynamic and self-replicating worms or code-based logic bombs, a time bomb lays dormant until the predetermined trigger point is reached. This trigger, often set to a particular date or time, acts as the catalyst for the malware to activate and carry out its destructive or disruptive functions. This distinctive characteristic of time-based activation makes these malicious programs particularly potent tools for hackers aiming to coordinate and synchronize cyberattacks for maximum impact. The utilization of time bombs underscores the evolving sophistication of cyber threats and the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures to detect and mitigate such time-triggered malicious activities.