What is the function of a logic bomb in cybersecurity?

The function of a logic bomb is to execute a predefined malicious action when specific conditions or triggers are met. This characteristic distinguishes it from other types of malware, as it does not act immediately upon being deployed. Instead, it lies dormant until the predetermined event occurs, such as a particular date, the opening of a specific file, or certain user actions. Once activated, a logic bomb can carry out various harmful activities, like deleting files, corrupting data, or spreading itself further within a network.

In the context of the other choices, encrypting user data to prevent access can describe ransomware, but it does not specifically pertain to the operation of a logic bomb. Monitoring network traffic for malicious activity aligns more with intrusion detection systems, which actively analyze traffic rather than executing based on conditions. The automatic updating of system software is typically a feature of software maintenance systems and does not describe the behavior of a logic bomb. Thus, the defining characteristic of a logic bomb is indeed its conditional execution, making the correct response clear.