What are computer viruses and how do they work?
A computer virus is a malicious software program that is able to spread from one computer to another and cause damage to files and data. Viruses are typically spread by email attachments or by downloading infected files from the internet. Once a virus has infected a computer, it will replicate itself and spread to other computers on the same network.
Most viruses are designed to cause damage to files and data, but some are created for more malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information or holding computer systems hostage. ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts files and data on an infected computer and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt the data.
Viruses can be difficult to remove from an infected computer, and often require specialised software and sometimes even manual intervention by a skilled technician. Prevention is always the best defence against viruses and other malware, and users should take care to only open email attachments from trusted sources, and only download files from trusted websites.
What are the different types of computer viruses?
When it comes to computers, a virus is a malicious code that is able to replicate itself and corrupt system files. It can spread from one computer to another and can cause major mayhem. There are different types of computer viruses, and each has its own method of wreaking havoc. Here is a look at the different types of computer viruses:
Boot Sector Virus: This type of virus infects the boot sector of a computer’s hard drive, which is where the computer stores information on how to boot up. When the computer is turned on, the boot sector virus will run and infect the system files, making it impossible for the computer to start up.
File Infector Virus: As the name suggests, this virus infects files on a computer. It usually attaches itself to executable files, which are programs that can be run on a computer. When the infected file is run, the virus will replicate itself and infect other files on the computer.
Multipartite Virus: This virus is a combination of a boot sector virus and a file infector virus. It can infect both the boot sector and executable files.
Macro Virus: This virus is written in a macro language, which is a programming language that is built into some applications. Macro viruses infect files that are created with these applications. For example, a macro virus could infect a Microsoft Word document.
Polymorphic Virus: This virus changes its code as it replicates, making it difficult to detect and remove.
Stealth Virus: This virus hides itself from anti-virus software. It is capable of infecting files without being detected.
Trojan Horse: This virus appears to be harmless, but it is actually a malicious program. It can do anything from stealing information to deleting files.
Worm: This virus is similar to a file infector virus, but it is able to spread itself without needing to attach to a file. It can spread through networks and infect computers that are connected to the infected computer.
Now that you know the different types of computer viruses, you can take steps to protect your computer from them. Be sure to install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
We used malwarezero.org to write this article about computer viruses. Click here to learn more.