Which of the following virus types is able to alter its own signature in order to evade detection?
A polymorphic virus mutates its code—often by changing its encryption key or using a mutation engine—each time it infects a new file or system, producing a different signature on each iteration while retaining its malicious functionality. This constant alteration of its detectable pattern is specifically designed to bypass signature-based antivirus and intrusion detection systems, distinguishing it from stealth viruses (which hide their presence rather than change signatures), boot sector viruses (which target the master boot record), and macro viruses (which exploit application scripting languages like VBA).
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