Difference Between Zombie and Logic Bomb in Cyber Security

Malware is defined as any malicious program designed to harm or take advantage of any network, service, or device. Malicious software refers to any software intended to damage users, networks, or machines. It includes things like zombies and logic bombs. Computer viruses, zombies, logic bombs, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, and other harmful applications are all considered malware.

What are Zombies?

Zombies are infected laptop computers that are under the control of hackers. They could be used for malicious activities including stealing information, sending unsolicited mail, or even breaking into personal computer systems. Zombies are a serious threat to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. It is essential to recognize the danger and take preventative measures.

Characteristics of Zombies

• Zombies are difficult to spot because they usually work in the background without having any visible effect on the device.
• A computer has been compromised with malware usually as a component of a botnet?and is under the remote control of a hacker is referred to as a zombie.
• Zombies are frequently a part of a bigger network, known as a botnet, which is a collection of infected devices used to conduct attacks.

Example of Zombie

Known as one of the most well-known botnets, Mirai transformed commonplace devices, such as DVRs, cameras, and routers, into "zombies" using software. Large-scale DDoS assaults, including one against Dyn, were launched using these devices, disrupting well-known websites like Twitter and Netflix.

What is a Logic Bomb?

A logic bomb is a harmful piece of code hidden within a system that is intended to cause disruptions during a specific event. These are commonly employed to harm the computer systems of their former company. It remains inactive until certain predefined conditions are met. These requirements might be entirely dependent on specific times, occasions, or user activities. After being created, the logic bomb explodes, carrying out a harmful payload that may include erasing facts, causing system crashes, or even granting unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Characteristics of Logic Bomb

• Logic bombs are made to carry out harmful tasks like erasing data, corrupting files, or interfering with system functions once they are turned on.
• Until the triggering condition is satisfied, the malicious code stays inactive, making it difficult to identify until it is too late.
• In contrast to broad malware, logic bombs are typically designed to interfere with particular users, systems, or organizations, frequently using a timely attack plan.

Example of Logic Bomb

A financial institution employee built a logic bomb in 2003 that, when deactivated, would erase important information from the bank's servers at a predetermined time. When the employee was fired, the device was set off, and before it was discovered, it caused serious disturbances.

Difference between Zombie and Logic Bomb

The following table highlights the major differences between Zombies and Logic Bombs -

Conclusion

Both zombies and logic bombs present serious cybersecurity risks, however they operate differently. Usually used in a network of bots, a zombie is a compromised computer that performs attacks without the user's knowledge as part of a larger, coordinated effort. In contrast, a logic bomb is a malicious code that, when activated by a certain circumstance or time trigger, is intended to inflict harm or disruption.