Which statement is true about a stealth virus?

A stealth virus is designed to avoid detection by using techniques that allow it to hide its presence on a system. Hiding specifically in the master boot record (MBR) is one common tactic, as this is one of the first areas accessed when a computer boots up. By embedding itself there, a stealth virus can go undetected by traditional antivirus programs, which typically scan files and not the low-level details of the boot process.

Other characteristics often associated with stealth viruses include their ability to manipulate file access methods to conceal their activities or their payloads from virus detection tools. While it is true that stealth viruses may affect system performance or require some form of user interaction, these traits are not defining features of their operation. The primary defining feature is their ability to hide themselves, particularly in critical areas such as the master boot record.