Scribd
Upload
18 views2 pages

What Is A Computer Virus

The document discusses what computer viruses are, how they spread and infect systems, common types of viruses, signs of infection, and how to prevent and mitigate virus attacks. Computer viruses are programs designed to spread from system to system and can infect files, memory and other parts of a device. They typically spread through email attachments, downloads, and malicious websites. Signs of infection include slow performance, pop-ups, and unexpected program activity. Users can help prevent viruses through firewalls, antivirus software, safe web browsing, and backups.

Uploaded by

Jayson Fortaliza Llamo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
18 views2 pages

What Is A Computer Virus

The document discusses what computer viruses are, how they spread and infect systems, common types of viruses, signs of infection, and how to prevent and mitigate virus attacks. Computer viruses are programs designed to spread from system to system and can infect files, memory and other parts of a device. They typically spread through email attachments, downloads, and malicious websites. Signs of infection include slow performance, pop-ups, and unexpected program activity. Users can help prevent viruses through firewalls, antivirus software, safe web browsing, and backups.

Uploaded by

Jayson Fortaliza Llamo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus, much like a flu virus, is designed to spread from host to host and has the ability to replicate itself.
Similarly, in the same way that flu viruses cannot reproduce without a host cell, computer viruses cannot reproduce
and spread without programming such as a file or document.

In more technical terms, a computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer
operates and is designed to spread from one computer to another. A virus operates by inserting or attaching itself to
a legitimate program or document that supports macros in order to execute its code. In the process, a virus has the
potential to cause unexpected or damaging effects, such

How does a computer virus attack?

Once a virus has successfully attached to a program, file, or document, the virus will lie dormant until circumstances
cause the computer or device to execute its code. In order for a virus to infect your computer, you have to run the
infected program, which in turn causes the virus code to be executed.

How do computer viruses spread?

In a 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, and social media scam
links. Your mobile devices and smartphones can become infected with mobile viruses through shady app downloads.
Viruses can hide disguised as attachments of socially shareable content such as funny images, greeting cards, or
audio and video files.

To avoid contact with a virus, it’s important to exercise caution when surfing the web, downloading files, and
opening links or attachments. To help stay safe, never download text or email attachments that you’re not
expecting, or files from websites you don’t trust.

Common Types of Computer Viruses

Cybercriminals are getting better and better at stealing our confidential data and viruses that are being created are
evolving rapidly. There are millions of viruses around the world, but here are some common types you should be
aware of:
1. File-infecting Virus
A virus that attached itself to an executable program. It is also called a parasitic virus which typically infects files
with .exe or .com extensions. Some file infectors can overwrite host files and others can damage your hard drive’s
formatting.
2. Macro Virus
This type of virus is commonly found in programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. These viruses are usually stored
as part of a document and can spread when the files are transmitted to other computers, often through email
attachments.
3. Browser Hijacker
This virus targets and alters your browser setting. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects your
browser to other malicious websites that you don’t have any intention of visiting. This virus can pose other threats
such as changing the default home page of your browser.
4. Web Scripting Virus
A very sneaky virus that targets popular websites. What this virus does is overwrite code on a website and insert
links that can install malicious software on your device. Web scripting
viruses can steal your cookies and use the information to post on your behalf on the infected website.
5. Boot Sector Virus
These viruses are once common back when computers are booted from floppy disks. Today, these viruses are found
distributed in forms of physical media such as external hard drives or USB. If the computer is infected with a boot
sector virus, it automatically loads into the memory enabling control of your computer.
6. Polymorphic Virus
This virus has the capability to evade anti-virus programs since it can change codes every time an infected file is
performed.
7. Resident Virus
A resident virus stores itself on your computer’s memory which allows it to infect files on your computer. This virus
can interfere with your operating system leading to file and program corruption.
8. Multipartite Virus
A type of virus that is very infectious and can easily spread on your computer system. It can infect multiple parts of a
system including memory, files, and boot sector which makes it difficult to contain.
9. Direct action virus
This type of virus comes into action when you execute a file containing a virus. Otherwise, it remains dormant.

Signs of a Computer Virus Infection


A computer virus attack can produce a variety of symptoms. Here are some of them:
• Unusually slow computer performance. A sudden change of processing speed could signal that your computer has
a virus.
• Pop-ups bombarding the screen. Pop-ups might encourage you to visit unusual sites. Or they might prod you to
download antivirus or other software programs. Programs running on their own Files multiplying/duplicating on their
own New files or programs in the computer Files, folders, or programs getting deleted or corrupted
• Changes to your homepage. Your usual homepage may change to another website, for instance. Plus, you may be
unable to reset it.
• Mass emails being sent from your email account. A criminal may take control of your account or send emails in
your name from another infected computer.
• Frequent crashes. A virus can inflict major damage on your hard drive. This may cause your device to freeze or
crash. It may also prevent your device from coming back on.
• Unknown programs that start up when you turn on your computer. You may become aware of the unfamiliar
program when you start your computer. Or you might notice it by checking your computer’s list of active
applications.
• Unusual activities like password changes. This could prevent you from logging into your computer.
If you come across any of these above-mentioned signs, then there are chances that your computer is infected by a
virus or malware. Not to delay, immediately stop all the commands and download an antivirus software. If you are
unsure what to do, get the assistance of an authorized computer personnel.

How to Avoid and Lessen the Impact of Viruses


A virus left untreated can wreak havoc on your device but if detected early, and appropriate measures are done,
then the recovery would be quick. Just like how we protect ourselves from catching a virus, here are a few notes to
remember to help keep your devices safe.
• Use a firewall- A firewall is your computer’s first line of defense which sits between your computer and the
internet, swatting them away. Your computer normally comes with a pre-installed firewall – make sure it’s enabled.
• Install a reliable anti-virus program-keep it up to date and always run regular scheduled scans
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Avoid clicking on pop-up advertisements and get a pop-up blocker for your web browser.
• Don’t open email attachments or links you aren’t sure about Emails are one of the main ways computer viruses
spread. When a computer is infected, viruses ‘blast email’ all the contacts on that computer. So, if an attachment
seems a bit suspicious - if it’s got a strange file name, there are typos in the email, the content of the email seems
odd or the sender’s email address looks strange, for instance - don’t open it. Even if it’s from someone you know.
• When routed to another website, don’t do anything, and immediately leave the site.
• Backup your files – backup media can be an external hard drive, another PC or online via cloud.
• Update your operating System-It’s crucial to keep your operating system up to date. Developers are constantly
adding new improvements, many of which will help keep your computer free from viruses.

You might also like