Computer Virus

A computer virus is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. Viruses can cause a variety of damage, including:

• Deleting or corrupting files
• Stealing personal information
• Disrupting system performance
• Spreading other malware

Common Computer Virus Names

There are many different types of computer viruses, each with its own unique name. Some of the most common virus names include:

• Conficker: This worm spread rapidly in 2009, infecting millions of computers worldwide. Conficker can steal personal information, disrupt system performance, and spread other malware.
• CryptoLocker: This ransomware encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom payment in exchange for decrypting the files. CryptoLocker has caused millions of dollars in losses for businesses and individuals.
• WannaCry: This ransomware spread rapidly in 2017, infecting hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. WannaCry disrupted operations at hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.
• Petya: This ransomware spread rapidly in 2017, infecting computers in Ukraine and other countries. Petya overwrites the master boot record (MBR) on a victim’s computer, making it impossible to boot the computer.

Types of Computer Viruses

There are many different types of computer viruses, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of viruses include:

• Boot sector viruses: These viruses infect the boot sector of a computer’s hard drive. When a computer boots up, the boot sector virus loads into memory and can then infect other files on the computer.
• File infector viruses: These viruses attach themselves to executable files (.exe files). When an infected file is executed, the virus loads into memory and can then infect other files on the computer.
• Macro viruses: These viruses are written in a macro language, such as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Macro viruses can infect Microsoft Office documents, such as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets.
• Script viruses: These viruses are written in a scripting language, such as JavaScript or VBScript. Script viruses can be embedded in web pages or email messages. When a victim opens an infected web page or email message, the script virus loads into memory and can then infect other files on the computer.

How to Protect Yourself from Computer Viruses

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from computer viruses:

• Use a strong antivirus program. An antivirus program can scan your computer for viruses and remove them.
• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from viruses.
• Be careful about opening email attachments. Do not open email attachments from people you do not know.
• Do not click on links in emails or text messages from people you do not know.
• Use a firewall. A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your computer.

Computer viruses are a serious threat to your computer and your personal information. By following the tips in this article, you can help protect yourself from computer viruses.

What is an Anti-Virus?

An anti-virus is a software program or set of programs that are designed to prevent, detect, and remove malware from a computer. Malware is a general term used to describe any type of malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, and adware.

How Does an Anti-Virus Work?

Anti-virus software works by scanning a computer’s files and memory for known malware signatures. When a match is found, the anti-virus software will typically take one of the following actions:

• Quarantine the file: The file is moved to a special location on the computer where it cannot be executed.
• Delete the file: The file is permanently deleted from the computer.
• Repair the file: The file is repaired so that it is no longer infected with malware.

In addition to scanning for known malware signatures, some anti-virus software also uses heuristic analysis to detect new and unknown threats. Heuristic analysis looks for suspicious patterns in files that may indicate that they are infected with malware.

Types of Anti-Virus Software

There are many different types of anti-virus software available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types of anti-virus software include:

• Standalone anti-virus software: This type of anti-virus software is installed on a single computer and provides protection against malware.
• Network anti-virus software: This type of anti-virus software is installed on a network server and provides protection for all of the computers on the network.
• Cloud-based anti-virus software: This type of anti-virus software is hosted in the cloud and provides protection for computers that are connected to the internet.

Choosing an Anti-Virus Software

When choosing an anti-virus software, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The type of computer you have: Some anti-virus software is only compatible with certain types of computers.
• The level of protection you need: Some anti-virus software provides more comprehensive protection than others.
• Your budget: Anti-virus software can range in price from free to several hundred dollars.

Anti-virus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer from malware. By choosing the right anti-virus software and keeping it up to date, you can help to protect your computer from a variety of threats.

Computer Virus FAQs

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. Viruses can attach themselves to legitimate programs or files, or they can exist independently. When a virus is executed, it can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Data loss: Viruses can delete or corrupt files, including important documents, photos, and videos.
• System damage: Viruses can damage the operating system and other software, making it difficult or impossible to use your computer.
• Security breaches: Viruses can open backdoors that allow hackers to access your computer and steal your personal information.
• Performance issues: Viruses can slow down your computer and make it difficult to use.

How do computer viruses spread?

Viruses can spread in a variety of ways, including:

• Email attachments: Viruses can be attached to email messages, and when you open the attachment, the virus is installed on your computer.
• Websites: Viruses can be embedded in websites, and when you visit the website, the virus is downloaded to your computer.
• USB drives: Viruses can be copied to USB drives, and when you plug the USB drive into your computer, the virus is installed.
• P2P file sharing: Viruses can be shared through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your computer from viruses, including:

• Use a strong antivirus program: An antivirus program can scan your computer for viruses and remove them. Make sure to keep your antivirus program up to date with the latest virus definitions.
• Be careful about opening email attachments: Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know, and be wary of attachments that have strange or unexpected names.
• Don’t visit suspicious websites: Avoid visiting websites that you don’t know or that are known to be malicious.
• Be careful about using USB drives: Only plug USB drives into your computer that you trust.
• Disable P2P file sharing: If you don’t use P2P file sharing, disable it to reduce your risk of infection.

What should I do if my computer is infected with a virus?

If you think your computer is infected with a virus, you should take the following steps:

• Disconnect your computer from the internet: This will prevent the virus from spreading to other computers.
• Run a full scan with your antivirus program: This will scan your computer for viruses and remove them.
• Update your antivirus program: Make sure your antivirus program is up to date with the latest virus definitions.
• Restore your computer from a backup: If you have a backup of your computer, you can restore it to a time before the virus was installed.

Conclusion

Computer viruses are a serious threat to your computer and your personal information. By following the tips in this article, you can help protect your computer from viruses and keep your data safe.