(1) See digital signature.
(2) A pattern used for matching. Also called a "fingerprint" or "definition." For example, antivirus companies maintain a database that contains the virus code (the signature) of each of the known viruses. To detect a virus, the antivirus program looks for these code strings in executable programs. Spyware blockers that look for spyware and adware also use signature patterns.
An intrusion detection system also uses signatures, which are patterns that suggest an attack. For example, excessive logins that failed or the execution of certain programs.
(2) A pattern used for matching. Also called a "fingerprint" or "definition." For example, antivirus companies maintain a database that contains the virus code (the signature) of each of the known viruses. To detect a virus, the antivirus program looks for these code strings in executable programs. Spyware blockers that look for spyware and adware also use signature patterns.
An intrusion detection system also uses signatures, which are patterns that suggest an attack. For example, excessive logins that failed or the execution of certain programs.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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