What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a malicious program that infects other programs on your computer using malicious code. In the same way that people get colds and flu, it can sit dormant in the body and kick in when it’s needed most.

A computer virus is a malicious program designed to infect another computer. There are many different ways in which a virus can get into your computer. This can be via email attachments, downloading files, installing software, or insecure links.

These viruses can take your passwords, access your social media or bank accounts, and delete your data.

Common Types Of Computer Viruses

The ability of cybercriminals to steal our sensitive information is increasing every day, and the viruses they create are changing quickly. With millions of viruses in the world, here are some of the most common viruses you need to know about:

File-infecting Virus

A malicious program is attached to an executable. Also known as a parasitic virus, it infects files using the.exe or.com extension. Some file viruses can corrupt host files, while others can corrupt the formatting of your hard drive.

Read More: Top Most Harmful Computer Viruses Of All Time

Macro Virus

This virus can be found in programs like Microsoft Word or Excel. These viruses are typically contained in a file and can be transmitted via email attachments to other computers.

Browser Hijacker

A browser redirects virus targets and changes your browser settings. Browser redirect viruses are often referred to as browser redirect viruses because they redirect your browser to malicious websites that you do not intend to visit. This virus can also cause other issues like altering your browser’s default home page.

Web Scripting Virus

It’s a type of malicious software that infects popular websites. It does this by overwriting the code on the website and adding links that can be used to install malware on your device. Web scripting viruses can hijack your cookies and use them to publish content on your website.

Boot Sector Virus

These viruses date back to the days when floppy disks were commonly used to boot computers. These viruses are now commonly found on external hard drives and USB sticks. If the boot sector virus infects the computer, it will load into the memory and take control of the computer.

Polymorphic Virus

This is because it can mutate the code of an infected file every time it is executed, making it difficult for antivirus programs to detect.

Resident Virus

A resident virus lives in the memory of your computer and infects files on your computer. This virus causes corruption of files and programs in your operating system.

Multipartite Virus

A virus that is highly contagious and can easily infect your computer. It can affect memory, files, and the boot sector, making it hard to control.

How to Remove a Computer Virus

Getting rid of a virus on your computer can be difficult, but you can do it by following a few simple steps.

Here are some of the most common steps to getting rid of a computer virus:

Download and install antivirus software: If you do not have antivirus software on your computer, download and install real-time malware scanners and on-demand solutions, if possible. Real-time malware scanners scan for viruses in real-time while you are using your computer. The on-demand scanner must be started every time you need to scan your device.

Disconnect from the Internet: Some computer viruses rely on the Internet to spread, so disconnecting from the Internet when getting rid of a virus on your PC is the best way to avoid further harm.

Delete any temporary files: Depending on the virus type, you may also be able to get rid of the virus by removing temporary files, since some viruses are set to kick in when your computer starts up.

Reboot your computer into safe mode: Restart your device in “Safe Mode” to minimize damage to your computer while you eliminate a virus. This will stop the virus in its tracks and help you get rid of it more efficiently.

Run a virus scan: Use your antivirus software to run a full scan. Choose the most comprehensive or comprehensive scanning option. If possible, scan all hard drive letters.

Delete or quarantine the virus: Once the virus is identified, your anti-virus software will prompt you to remove or quarantine the virus. By isolating the virus, you’re preventing it from spreading to other parts of your computer.

Reboot your computer: Your computer can be restarted as long as the virus has been removed. All you have to do is turn it on as you would with any other device without going into the ‘Safe Mode’.

Update your browser and operating system: To get rid of the virus, make sure to upgrade your operating system and browser to the most up-to-date version. In addition, browser and operating system updates often include fixes for specific vulnerabilities and exploits.

How to Prevent Computer Viruses

Computer viruses can cause damage to your computer, send sensitive data to hackers, and disrupt your system until it’s fixed. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from a computer virus:

Install antivirus software: Any device that is connected to the network should have an antivirus running on it. Your first line of defence against viruses is this. Malware executables are prevented from operating on your local device by antivirus software.

Don’t open executable email attachments: The majority of malware attacks, including ransomware, begin with an email attachment. Never open executable attachments, and never run macros programmed into files like Microsoft Word or Excel.

Keep your operating system updated: Patches are released by the operating system developers to fix known bugs and security vulnerabilities. Remove end-of-life versions of your operating system.

Avoid questionable websites: Old browsers tend to be more vulnerable to these kinds of attacks when you’re on a website. Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser by updating it with the latest patches. Stay away from these websites to prevent them from sending you malicious downloads or sending you to sites that host malware.

Don’t use pirated software: While free pirated software may be appealing, it is often accompanied by malware. Be sure to only download vendor software from official sources and avoid downloading software that is pirated or shared.

Use strong passwords: Make sure your passwords are secure and difficult to guess. Do not reuse passwords for more than one account and change passwords frequently to minimize security risks and prevent theft.

Remain vigilant: Don’t download anything from the internet. Don’t open suspicious email attachments. Don’t share files. Don’t share your computer with strangers. Don’t store sensitive or private information on your computer.