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Computer Viruses

There are many types of computer viruses that can infect devices. Viruses like file-infecting viruses attach themselves to executable files while macro viruses infect documents. Other common viruses are browser hijackers that redirect browsers to malicious sites, web scripting viruses that overwrite website code to install malware, and boot sector viruses that load at startup. It is important for users to protect their devices by avoiding suspicious links, scanning email attachments, using pop-up blockers, and installing reliable anti-virus software.

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47 views

Computer Viruses

There are many types of computer viruses that can infect devices. Viruses like file-infecting viruses attach themselves to executable files while macro viruses infect documents. Other common viruses are browser hijackers that redirect browsers to malicious sites, web scripting viruses that overwrite website code to install malware, and boot sector viruses that load at startup. It is important for users to protect their devices by avoiding suspicious links, scanning email attachments, using pop-up blockers, and installing reliable anti-virus software.

Uploaded by

drin files
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Are The Different Types Of

Computer Viruses?
People tend to disregard their devices’ security and often, it’s already too late before they realize
how important it is. Knowing the various types of computer viruses and how they work is vital to
containing and eliminating them.

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a piece of code embedded in a legitimate program and is created with the ability
to self-replicate infecting other programs on a computer. Just like how humans catch a cold or flu, it
can remain dormant inside the system and gets activated when you least expect it.

A computer virus is developed to spread from one host to another and there are numerous ways on
how your computer catches it. It can be through email attachments, file downloads, software
installations, or unsecured links.

These viruses can steal your data such as passwords, hacked into your social media accounts or
online banking accounts, and even wiped out all your data.

Common Types Of Computer Viruses

Cybercriminals are getting better and better at stealing our confidential data and viruses that are
being created are evolving rapidly. There are millions of viruses around the world, but here are some
common types you should be aware of:

1. File-infecting Virus

A virus that attached itself to an executable program. It is also called a parasitic virus which typically
infects files with .exe or .com extensions. Some file infectors can overwrite host files and others can
damage your hard drive’s formatting.

2. Macro Virus
This type of virus is commonly found in programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. These viruses
are usually stored as part of a document and can spread when the files are transmitted to other
computers, often through email attachments.

3. Browser Hijacker

This virus targets and alters your browser setting. It is often called a browser redirect virus because
it redirects your browser to other malicious websites that you don’t have any intention of visiting. This
virus can pose other threats such as changing the default home page of your browser.

4. Web Scripting Virus

A very sneaky virus that targets popular websites. What this virus does is overwrite code on a
website and insert links that can install malicious software on your device. Web scripting viruses can
steal your cookies and use the information to post on your behalf on the infected website.

5. Boot Sector Virus

These viruses are once common back when computers are booted from floppy disks. Today, these
viruses are found distributed in forms of physical media such as external hard drives or USB. If the
computer is infected with a boot sector virus, it automatically loads into the memory enabling control
of your computer.

6. Polymorphic Virus

This virus has the capability to evade anti-virus programs since it can change codes every time an
infected file is performed.

7. Resident Virus

A resident virus stores itself on your computer’s memory which allows it to infect files on your
computer. This virus can interfere with your operating system leading to file and program corruption.

8. Multipartite Virus
A type of virus that is very infectious and can easily spread on your computer system. It can infect
multiple parts of a system including memory, files, and boot sector which makes it difficult to contain.

Protection Against These Types Computer Viruses

A virus left untreated can wreak havoc on your device but if detected early, and appropriate
measures are done, then the recovery would be quick. Just like how we protect ourselves from
catching a virus, here are a few notes to remember to help keep your devices safe.

1. Avoid clicking on suspicious links.


2. Scan email attachments before opening it.
3. Avoid clicking on pop-up advertisements and get a pop-up blocker for your web browser.
4. When routed to another website, don’t do anything, and immediately leave the site.
5. Install a reliable anti-virus program and always keep it up to date.

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