AP® Cybersecurity glossary

Signature

Also called: malware signature

Course: AP® Cybersecurity Shows up in: Unit 3: Securing NetworksUnit 4: Securing Devices

An indicator in malware that makes it detectable; anti-malware and signature-based tools match against databases of them.

Appears in the course and exam description (CED): 4.3.B.13.5.C.1

Why it matters in Unit 4

Unknown malware has no signature yet.

Example

A specific byte pattern or file hash known to belong to a trojan.

Related terms

• Anti-malware software
• Signature-based detection