A computer virus is a type of malicious software program or piece of program code which execute and replicate itself by modifying other program or files. The computer virus is intentionally develop for gain some profit and information. Virus writers use social engineering techniques and exploits to initially infect the system and to spread the virus.
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| Computer Virus |
What Does a Computer Virus Do ?
A computer virus is a program that spreads malicious code by copying itself and infecting host computers. Although some viruses are latent, others can corrupt data or hang system. The term is specific, distinguished by how viruses are distributed (through downloads, email attachments, or removable media such as CDs, DVDs, or USB drives). It should be noted that adware and spyware are actually not viruses as they do not have the same reproductive ability.
Trojon Horse : Another unsavory breed of malicious code are Trojans or Trojan horse, which unlike viruses do not reproduce by infecting other files, also they do not self-replicate like worms.
Boot Virus : This type of virus affects the boot sector of a hard disk. This is a crucial part of a disk, in which information on the disk itself is stored together with a program that makes it possible to boot the computer from the disk.
Macro Virus : A macro virus is a computer virus that infects a Microsoft Word or similar application and causes a sequence of actions to be performed automatically when the application is started or something else triggers it.
Ransomware : Ransomware is a form of malicious software that lockdown the files on your computer. It encrypt your data and demands some amount ransom that you pay to get your files back. WannaCry is a ransomware that affects Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. When a system is infected, a pop up window appears prompting you to pay to recover all your files within some days with a count down timer in it
Rootkit : A rootkit is a clandestine computer program designed to provide continued privileged access to a computer while active.
Symptoms of Virus Infected System
If computer system is infected to virus the following behavior is noticed by users :- Slow Computer Performance : It is a known fact that malware has the tendency to slow down your operating system, your Internet speed or the speed of your applications. If you notice something like this and you’re not using any resource-heavy program or application, check for other causes first. It may be a lack of RAM memory, a lack of space on your hard drive or maybe a hardware issue affecting your drive. If you have already thoroughly verified these possible causes and all seems fine, you can start considering a potential malware infection.
- High Network Activity : There are cases where the user is not connected to the Internet through his browser, and there is no program that may connect to online servers to download or upload any data, but high network activity can still be observed.
- HDD Space Increases : If you notice that your disk continues to exhibit excessive activity even when you don’t use it and there is no program or download running at that moment, this could be the right time to check your system for malware program.
- Frequent System Crashes : If your program or system crash constantly or blue screen of death appears regularly means your system is not working properly this is caused by virus or incompatibility between software and hardware.
- Pop Ups : This is the most annoying signs of malware is represented by the unwanted pop-up windows. Unexpected pop-ups which appear on the system are a typical sign of a spyware infection. Pop ups are not only annoying, but they usually come bundled with other malware threats and which could be far more destructive for our systems.
- New browser homepage, new toolbar, unwanted website visited without your knowledge.
- Getting unusual messages or programs which start automatically.
How Computer Virus Spread ?
In today’s constantly connected world you can contract a computer virus in many ways some more obvious than others. Viruses can be spread through email and text message attachments, Internet file downloads, social media scam links, and even your mobile devices and smartphones can become infected with mobile viruses through unknown App downloads. Viruses can hide disguised as attachments of socially shareable content such as funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files etc.Types of Virus
Worm : A worm is a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. Worm use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user. It is common for worm to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing or halting other tasks.Trojon Horse : Another unsavory breed of malicious code are Trojans or Trojan horse, which unlike viruses do not reproduce by infecting other files, also they do not self-replicate like worms.
Boot Virus : This type of virus affects the boot sector of a hard disk. This is a crucial part of a disk, in which information on the disk itself is stored together with a program that makes it possible to boot the computer from the disk.
Macro Virus : A macro virus is a computer virus that infects a Microsoft Word or similar application and causes a sequence of actions to be performed automatically when the application is started or something else triggers it.
Ransomware : Ransomware is a form of malicious software that lockdown the files on your computer. It encrypt your data and demands some amount ransom that you pay to get your files back. WannaCry is a ransomware that affects Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. When a system is infected, a pop up window appears prompting you to pay to recover all your files within some days with a count down timer in it
Rootkit : A rootkit is a clandestine computer program designed to provide continued privileged access to a computer while active.
Spyware : Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on a computer without the knowledge of the owner in order to collect the owner’s private information. Spyware is often hidden from the user in order to gather information about internet interaction, keystrokes, passwords, and other valuable data. Spyware can also negatively affect a computer’s speed.
Worm : A computer worm is a virus that spreads by creating duplicates of itself on other drives, systems or networks. Computer worms may send copies of themselves to other computers across network connections, through email, through an infected Web page or through instant messages and Internet Relay Chat etc.
Spam : Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. Most spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick schemes, or quasi-legal services etc.
How to Safe from Virus
To avoid spyware and its impact on our systems, keep in mind following few security practices.
- Don’t click any suspicious pop-up windows.
- Don’t answer unsolicited emails or messages.
- Be careful when downloading free applications or files from internet.
- Install a good antivirus software program.
- Regularly run a full antivirus scan.
- Keep updated with software updates and Microsoft security updates.