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Key Points
- Computer viruses are a type of malware.
- Computer viruses spread by self-replicating into code and programs.
- Most types of computer viruses spread through malicious links and attachments.
What is a Computer Virus?
Despite acting differently from most sorts of exploits, computer viruses are a type of malware. Because of how they disperse, they are distinct. The majority of computer viruses move from one device to another to spread. They inject themselves into programs by self-replicating into code.
In the past, infected email attachments were the major way that viruses were disseminated, but modern computer infections are a little sneakier. They can reproduce and spread infection through USB sticks, shared papers, photos, videos, and links. Even the entire internet network might become infected by computer viruses. Email is still the most popular means of computer virus transmission, though.
Computer viruses can impact devices in a variety of ways, but how they do so depends on the type. Some have the ability to entirely delete files, while others take your personal data. Most infections can damage your system, if not permanently, and are frequently difficult to remove.
How Will I Know If My Computer Has a Virus?
Unfortunately, there are times when you won’t be able to tell if a harmful program has infected your computer. You might have noticed a change in your homepage or default web browser. You might also discover that your files are now occupying a lot more space than they previously did. There are a few telltale indications of infection even though not all viruses behave in the same way.
Common Effects of Computer Viruses
- Repeated crashing or restarting
- A large number of pop-up windows
- Emails sent from your address that you didn t initiate
- Unexpected changes in your browser settings
- Slow operating speeds
- Programs opening or closing on their own
We advise you to check for viruses on your computer or other devices if you suffer any of these consequences.
Reputable Antivirus Software Options
- Norton AntiVirus Plus, 2023, Antivirus software for 1 Device with Auto-Renewal [Download]” href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q69X7XL?tag=historycomput-20″ rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” target=”_blank”>Norton AntiVirus
- Bitdefender Total Security 5 Devices, 1-Year Subscription” href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYFFH4H?tag=historycomput-20″ rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” target=”_blank”>Bitdefender
- McAfee Total Protection 2023 | 5 Device | 1 Year with Auto Renewal – Amazon Exclusive Subscription” href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K98LLVV?tag=historycomput-20″ rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” target=”_blank”>McAfee
- Microsoft Defender
The 10 Most Common Types of Computer Viruses Today
Computer viruses come in a wide variety today. They can infect any machine, whether a Mac or a PC, and they come from all over the world.
The most typical categories of computer viruses that exist nowadays are listed below. Most of these viruses are easily propagated from a device that is infected via links and email attachments.
Here is a breakdown of them.
Trojan Horse Virus
Trojan horse infections, as they are aptly titled, are cloaked to operate like typical applications, files, and software. However, once downloading, it will distribute your private information. Your name, age, address, and bank account details are some examples of the personal information it will divulge. Unfortunately, without your intervention, this infection will carry on reproducing and spreading. For instance, certain computer infections require your click to spread. You are not required to perform anything by the virus.
Resident Virus
Most likely, a resident virus will spread via phishing emails. In the event that a spam email is opened or a dubious link is clicked, a resident virus will install itself in the computer’s RAM. The virus will interfere with a computer system’s activities after it has established a base of operations. Sadly, you frequently won’t be aware of this.
Additionally, resident viruses will automatically contaminate programs and data, even attaching to antivirus software. Every time you run an antivirus check, it has the potential to propagate if it connects to your antivirus program.
multipartite-or-hybrid-virus”>Multipartite or Hybrid Virus
A multipartite virus targets both the way your machine boots up and the files on it. It will occupy a lot of room in the files, which might make it simpler to find. The majority of the time, infected.exe files are how this kind of computer infection spreads. These.exe files are fairly typical and frequently used to install software. Multipartite, unfortunately, will have an impact on all of your programs, directories, and operating system.
Browser Hijacker Virus
Your browser will be hijacked by a virus, most likely causing it to reroute to harmful websites. A browser redirect virus is another name for this kind of malware. You’ll undoubtedly experience a deluge of intrusive pop-ups if your machine has been infected by a browser hijacker. You might also notice that the home page of your browser has abruptly changed.
Overwrite Virus
By overwriting the original file code, an overwrite virus performs its filthy work. Additionally, files will be permanently deleted. Sadly, if you’ve unintentionally downloaded the overwrite virus, there is no chance of recovering these files. A computer is frequently infected by an overwrite virus through corrupted webpages.
Network Virus
A network virus is a new kind of computer virus that spreads through an infected internet network. This virus will attack a reliable connection and spread from computer to computer by posing as network packets and traveling through their memory. Once a network has been attacked, all files stored there will be accessed and damaged.
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polymorphic-virus”>Polymorphic Virus
When sharing files downloaded from risky emails and infected attachments, Apolymorphicvirus will destroy information. Without anyone having to click on anything, it can even infect a machine after someone views an email. Unfortunately, this virus constantly evolves as it spreads, making it challenging to identify. It does, however, consistently carry out the same action and follow the same routine.
macro-virus”>Macro Virus
Amacrovirus, so named because of the programming language it was created in, spreads through Microsoft Office files. Word and Excel are both contaminated by macros. Additionally, when it infects these files, the virus will grow in size, making it potentially simpler to detect. This computer virus targets Linux and macOS systems in addition to Windows computers.
Boot Sector Virus
The term “boot” is frequently used to describe the process of starting or restarting a computer. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a boot virus will significantly damage the system startup of your device, necessitating a total reformatting of your computer. It might be simpler to avoid because the boot sector will propagate itself throughout external devices like a USB stick.
Web Scripting Virus
A website scripting virus will pretend to be a genuine link on a reliable website. However, clicking on the link enables the malware to steal personal data from computer cookies. It frequently hides itself in site code, videos, and photos. Web scripting malware frequently floods visitors with spam.
How to Protect Yourself From Common Computer Viruses
To defend against virus attacks on your computer and mobile devices, you don’t need a lot of technical knowledge. You may assist prevent viruses from entering your system by doing a few simple measures. Here are some methods you can safeguard your computer and other devices, while no solution is 100% secure.
- Use an software“>antivirus and antispyware software.
- Use a firewall.
- Keep your devices and software up to date.
- Choose strong passwords.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Double-check links before clicking.
- Never open an attachment or click on a link in an email from an unknown sender.
- Shop online using only reputable sites and companies.
- Review your personal and financial information regularly.