Which two statements are characteristics of a virus? (Choose two.)

A virus often has the characteristic of being able to remain dormant for a period of time before it activates itself, which can occur at a predetermined time or in response to certain conditions. This dormant phase is a strategy employed by many viruses to evade detection by antivirus software and users until it is ready to execute its payload—like corrupting files, stealing information, or spreading to other systems.

Another characteristic of a virus is that it typically requires some form of end-user activation to start its replication process. This could involve the user unknowingly opening an infected file or executing a program. Without this activation, the virus would remain harmless and inert on the system.

These two statements highlight the stealthy and user-dependent nature of viruses, helping to explain their functionality and the ways they propagate through systems. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate virus infections.