What is a Computer Virus? How Can You Protect Yourself?
What Is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a kind of malicious computer program, which when executed, replicates itself and inserts its own code. When the replication is done, this code infects the other files and programs present on your system.
These computer viruses are present in various types and each of them can infect a device in a different manner.
A computer virus is a program which can harm our device and files and infect them for no further use. When a virus program is executed, it replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and instead enters its own coding. This code infects a file or program and if it spreads massively, it may ultimately result in crashing of the device.
Across the world, Computer viruses are a great issue of concern as they can cause billions of dollars’ worth harm to the economy each year.
How Do Viruses Infect Your Computer?
1. Spam emails and attachments
Security analysts have found anywhere from 75% to 94% of all malware is delivered by email. This can happen by opening an email attachment, or in some cases, by simply viewing the email. Some viruses are also delivered in the HTML body of the email. As a result, many email services disable HTML until you confirm you know the sender.
2. Instant messaging
Instant messaging services such as Skype and Facebook Messenger can also be used to spread viruses. The most common method is sending an infected link in a chat message. People are more likely to click on a link from someone they know, and virus developers are well aware of this.
3. File-sharing services
Dropbox, SharePoint, and other file-sharing services are other means of spreading viruses. If a user uploads an infected file to a file-sharing account, the computer virus will spread to anyone else with access to that account. Although Google Drive and some other services scan files for viruses, they only scan files smaller than 25MB.
4. Fake antivirus downloads
Sometimes, cybercriminals send pop-up ads to trick users into thinking their PC has a virus. They insist the user download their antivirus program to remove the threat. However, the antivirus download is a fake one, and it infects the user’s computer with a virus. This one adds insult to injury.
5. Unpatched software
The term unpatched software refers to software that isn’t up-to-date. Developers often release security updates to patch up vulnerabilities in the software, and it is essential to actually install these updates. Cybercriminals often take advantage of these vulnerabilities to infect computers with viruses and other malware.
6. Hardware
USB drives and other removable storage devices can contain viruses and spread them to your computer. While this isn’t quite as common, bad actors have been known to leave USB drives riddled with viruses for unsuspecting victims. If you’re not sure where it came from, it’s not a good idea to stick hardware into your computer.
8 Types of Computer Viruses
Some computer viruses begin replicating as soon as they get onto your device, while others require a trigger for the virus code to activate. Here’s an overview of the most common types of viruses and how they spread.
1. Boot sector virus
A computer virus that infects a computer’s master boot record and often spreads through removable storage devices and media. It is difficult to remove and usually requires the entire hard drive of infected computers to be reformatted.
2. Overwrite virus
A computer virus that infects your files and destroys them. The only way to remove it is to delete all the infected files, resulting in the loss of data contained in them. Overwrite viruses most commonly spread through emails.
3. Resident virus
This kind of computer virus embeds in the computer’s memory. If the original virus is deleted, a copy of it can remain in the infected computer’s memory. It can then be activated when your operating system performs certain functions. Since these viruses hide in your RAM, they often go undetected by antivirus software.
4. File-infecting virus
A computer virus that overwrites or inserts infected code into executable files. When the infected program is opened, the virus overwrites or destroys it. File-infecting viruses can also spread to a computer’s operating system or even reformat your hard drive.
5. Macro virus
A computer virus is written in the same macro language as software programs like Microsoft Office. They embed malicious code in these documents and data files, which begin to run when the files are opened. The virus may then infect all of the user’s documents, altering them or making them unreadable. The virus spreads if the user shares an infected document.
6. Web scripting virus
A virus that hides in the code of web pages and web browsers. Accessing web pages whose code contains such viruses can lead to your device being infected.
7. Polymorphic virus
Polymorphism refers to the ability to exist in multiple forms. Consequently, polymorphic viruses acquire a different form each time the infected file or program is executed by changing their code. This helps them avoid detection.
8. Multipartite virus
A multipartite virus can be thought of as a combination of the different types described above. It attacks using different vectors and infects different computer parts, such as the operating system, files and programs.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Computer Virus?
Certain warning signs indicate your computer might have a computer virus. These are some common signs that your computer may be infected.
- Slow performance: A slow down in the computer’s processing speed is usually a dead giveaway for computer viruses. Malicious code typically hijacks computing power.
- Device crashes and freeze-ups: System freezes and crashes are often signs of malware infection in general, but viruses can be designed specifically to cause this. While this could also be the sign of an older device, it signals an infection.
- Missing files: Persistent pop-ups about missing files is another symptom. As you click shortcuts or try to access files, you may get notifications they no longer exist. It could be viruses deleting your important data.
- New files appear: Beware when new files mysteriously appear. Computer viruses can delete old files and create new ones.
- Problems with hardware or accessories: Viruses have been known to cause system changes that affect external hardware and accessories. If you can’t get that USB drive or wireless mouse to connect properly or work as it should, it could be a sign of a virus.
- Computer performs actions on its own: If it seems your device is executing commands without your authorization, a virus could be overriding your system.
If your device is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, you’ll need to take action. We’ll show you how to do that below.
How to Get Rid of a Computer Virus
While malicious computer code spreads like the flu, there’s one major difference between the two. Unlike the flu, we have a cure for computer viruses.
In years past, new computer viruses could be extremely difficult to root out. While there has been an influx of malicious computer viruses and other malware (estimates say 350,000 new malware programs and apps are created every day), we’ve also had growth in the antivirus and cybersecurity industries to combat it.
How Can I Protect Myself From Computer Viruses?
The best defense against computer viruses is prevention. There are many different steps you can take to protect your computer and devices from a computer virus and other kinds of malware. Here are the essential tips:
Install antivirus software
Make sure you install antivirus software from a reputable company and keep it updated. While these scanners will keep your device as clean as a whistle, they also offer real-time protection. Good antivirus blocks suspicious connections, warns you of phishing sites, emails and messages, and catches potential injections before they happen.
Don’t open suspicious emails or attachments
Delete or mark suspicious emails as spam and don’t open them. You should also select an email provider that scans all attachments before opening them.
Install anti-malware apps
In addition to antivirus software, consider using an anti-malware program app. These apps regularly scan your computer for viruses, spyware, and other malware. They also protect you from new, more harmful malware like the BloodyStealer. Just make sure that you’re only downloading legitimate apps from verified stores like Apple or Microsoft App store, or Google Play.
Install a firewall
A firewall screens internet and network traffic to help block potential threats. Strong firewalls will block viruses and other malware from getting to your device. Most strong antivirus programs have built-in firewalls that are enabled upon installation. Microsoft and Macs also have their own firewalls that have been improved over the years, you’ll just need to make sure they’re activated.
Adjust your browser and device privacy settings
Make sure to turn your browser’s privacy settings on and use a pop-up blocker. Many users flock to Chrome, but you can actually make Mozilla an anonymous browser if you tweak it right. You should also clear your cache and browsing history regularly. If you’re running Windows, check out our Windows 10 privacy guide and Windows 11 update. For Mac users, look at this privacy settings tutorial.
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