A virus is considered to be a mischievous program that propagates by infiltrating another program, copying itself to a computer’s document, and modifying the way the computer works. Viruses usually spread from system to system after a user opens an infected file or program. They use one of three methods to replicate and spread: attaching themselves to a legitimate program file, infecting the boot process, or infecting user documents. People may unknowingly spread the virus by using infected computers or, sometimes, intentionally.
A virus can corrupt computer software, delete data, or encrypt data. Hackers make use of them to gain access to larger systems, disrupt networks, and make money.
Viruses can spread through:
- Email and text message attachments
- Downloads from the Internet
- Via social media scam links
- External devices
It’s critical to use caution when visiting the web and downloading files to avoid coming into contact with a virus.
Notable Types of Computer Viruses
1. Boot Sector Virus
When considering a boot sector virus in general, it is referred to as a type of malware that taints the boot sector of the floppy disks. Infected floppy disks and USB drives are the most common ways to spread boot sector viruses. They latch onto other computers’ disk drives when the devices are attached and then modify or replace the existing boot code. It can also be transmitted through email attachments. Because today’s systems rely less on physical storage media, boot infections are becoming less common.
2. Macro Virus
These viruses are designed to target macro language commands in programs like Microsoft Word and others. Because they target software rather than systems, macro viruses can infect either Microsoft Excel or Word. So this can infect a PC or Mac. A macro virus works by embedding malicious code into documents and spreadsheets. It is activated when you open such a document or enable macros and proceeds to infect other files on your device. If one document is infected with a macro virus, all documents of the same type on your computer are probably infected too. So, you should delete all other files of that type to make sure they don’t contain the virus. Macro viruses can also be propagated via shared networks or discs, as well as when they are downloaded and opened via modem or internet/intranet connections.
3. File Infector
Generally, file infectors copy their malware onto executable applications like.COM and.EXE files. The majority of file infectors simply multiply and propagate; others do so unwittingly by causing damage to host applications. Infectors that overwrite host files are also known as “file infectors.” Payloads carried by some file infectors range from very damaging, such as hard drive formatting, to innocuous, such as message display. When a computer loads the infected program, the virus is also loaded. Other viruses delivered to computers via email contain wholly contained programs or scripts.
4. Web Scripting Virus
Web scripting viruses are types of malicious software that inject malicious code into web browsers and then alter some settings to give themselves administrative control over the browser. Web scripting viruses spread like any other computer virus. When they affect the web browser, web scripting viruses often target social networking sites because they make the device slow. They can also allow powerful attacks like DDOS attacks.
5. Browser Hijacker
A browser hijacker is a type of malware that modifies web browser settings and redirects the user to malicious websites. Part of a browser hijacker’s goal is to serve up fraudulent advertising. It may contain spyware, enabling the attacker to get your personal and sensitive data.
6. Resident Virus
A resident virus is one that can spread from one file to another without having to have an infected program running. Being stored in memory allows the virus to spread more easily because it has more access to other parts of the computer. For situations in which a writable drive is connected to the computer, a memory-resident virus could be in memory. Once launched, the virus could infect the entire drive and generally spread to other computers when in contact with them.
7. Multipartite Virus
A multipartite virus is a fast-moving virus that simultaneously attacks the boot sector, the operating system, and program files. Because most viruses affect only one part of a computer, antivirus software written specifically to combat multipartite viruses is considered. A multipartite can debilitate a computer so that it can no longer carry out even the simplest of tasks. It is launched at various points in time, which may cause the computer to become inoperable.
Conclusion
Computer viruses basically damage your computer system, send sensitive information to hackers, and cause downtime until a solution is obtained to fix it up. By taking the precautionary step of getting a good antivirus and practicing safe internet practices, you can avoid becoming the next computer virus victim.
