This Article is a part of
Cyber Threats & Malware Guide
Table of Contents
Computer Virus Definition
A virus is a program or code created to damage computers by corrupting system files, wasting resources, destroying data, or causing other kinds of annoyance.
However, Viruses characterize by other forms of malware as they are self-replicating..
Basically, They can create copies of themselves inside other files or computers without the consent or intervention of a user.
For a deeper look at how computer viruses work, spread, and affect your system, see our guide to computer viruses: what you need to know.
Not every security incident begins with an external attacker. Organizations must also consider insider threats, where trusted users may accidentally or deliberately expose systems or sensitive information.
Once a system is infected, a computer virus can become part of broader cyber attacks aimed at disrupting systems, stealing information, or gaining unauthorized access.
Computer viruses are just one part of the wider cybersecurity threat landscape. For a broader look at malicious software and related threats, see our cyber threats and malware guide.
Also read: Microsoft Headquarters Address & Contact Number Updated [2019]
What are the differences?
Computer viruses are just a type of malware, contraction of malicious software, which literally means “malicious software” and generally translates as “malicious software”. Some of the most common types:
Trojans:
This type of malware takes the form of simple software integrates ultimately into legitimate software, to deceive the user and induce him to open the doors to other malware intended to infect the PC.
Spyware:
With examples such as keyloggers, this type of malware is designed to spy on users, storing passwords, credit card data or other personal data.
Unlike a computer virus, spyware generally doesn’t replicate itself; learn more about how spyware works, spreads, and can be removed in our detailed guide.
Worm:
This type of malware targets entire networks of devices, bouncing from PC to PC.
Ransomware:
This variety of malware takes the files hostage, and sometimes the entire hard drive, encrypting them and then requesting a ransom from the owner in exchange for a decryption key. Learn more about how ransomware works and how organizations can defend against it.
Adware:
This extremely annoying type of malware floods the victims of unwanted advertisements and identifies security weaknesses to pave the way for other malware.
How computer viruses spread?
The most common ways to contract a computer virus:
- E-mail is one of the favorite vehicles of hackers to spread viruses everywhere. Phishing emails can also trick users into opening malicious attachments or clicking dangerous links that may lead to infection.
- And also, These are executable program files while opening an attachment (.com, .exe, .zip, .dll, .pif, .vbs, .js, .scr) or macro file types (.doc, .dot, .xls, .xlt, xlsm, .xsltm and the like) often identified by apparently innocuous names, such as ” Journey itinerary “.
One of the most famous examples of an email-borne malware outbreak was the I Love You Virus, which spread rapidly through infected email attachments.
Instant messaging
- Instant Messaging (IM, Instant Messaging) is another wide use channel for spreading viruses.
- And also, Facebook Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, and additional IM services utilize unintentionally to spread viruses.
File sharing
- Peer-to-peer file-sharing services, such as Dropbox, SharePoint or ShareFile, can also use to propagate viruses.
- And also, These services synchronize files and folders on each computer connected to a specific account.
- Network-based attacks can take other forms as well. For example, DDoS attacks can overwhelm servers and online services with large volumes of traffic, although they work differently from computer viruses.
Vulnerable software without a patch
- One of the most common methods of spreading viruses, although still often underestimated in terms of security, is the software did not protect by pieces.
- And also, We talk about those software and apps for which the developers do not provide security updates to remedy any software protection problems.
- Unpatched software can also expose systems to newly discovered vulnerabilities, including zero-day threats that attackers may exploit before a fix is available.
What are the types of viruses?
Here is a list of the different kinds of computer viruses currently in circulation:
1.Boot sector viruses
In a hard disk, the boot sector is a part that loads the computer’s Microsoft Windows or operating system.
2.Direct-acting virus
This type of infection design to “pass-through” the computer: after spreading files of a specific kind (usually COM or EXE), generally at the end, they auto-delete themselves.
3.Resident viruses
Unlike the direct action viruses just described, the memory viruses “camp” in the main memory (RAM) of the computer.
4.Multipartite viruses
These extremely versatile viruses have a double spreading capability, as they target both files and boot space
5.Polymorphic viruses
Real computer mutants, these viruses change shape to avoid detection, while keeping their threatening potential unchanged.
6.Macro viruses
In macro language, some viruses prints to incorporate them into software that allows the insertion of mini macro programs. Such as Microsoft Word.
For more details on how these threats work, spread, and affect documents, see our complete guide to macro viruses.
