What is Computer Virus? -Definition, Types and More

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.

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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.

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.’

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:

Email

• E-mail is one of the favorite vehicles of hackers to spread viruses everywhere. You can take a computer virus by email.
• 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 “.

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.

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.

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.