Once in our lifetime, we all have encountered with a computer virus, heard some news about companies losing billions of dollars to ransomware or hackers using bugs in the system to hack the systems, here is how it starts. Starting with the basics we’ll guide the readers about the terms used in cyber security, what they mean, how they work and how can the users protect their systems at an individual level. So without much ado let’s start with a computer virus.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a type of malicious software program that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. Infected computer programs can include data files or the “boot” sector of the hard drive.
How does the virus spread?
A virus can be spread by opening an email attachment, clicking on an executable file, visiting an infected website or viewing an infected website advertisement. It can also be spread through infected removable storage devices, such USB drives. Once a virus has infected the host, it can infect other system software or resources, modify or disable core functions or applications, as well as copy, delete or encrypt data. Some viruses begin replicating as soon as they infect the host, while other viruses will lie dormant until a specific trigger causes malicious code to be executed by the device or system. Once the virus infects your computer, the virus can infect other computers on the same network.
How can virus harm the user?
Stealing passwords or data, logging keystrokes, corrupting files, spamming your email contacts, and even taking over your machine are just some of the devastating and irritating things a virus can do. The virus can also be used to Seek profits (e.g., with ransomware), send a political message, demonstrate that a vulnerability exists in software, for sabotage and denial of service, or simply to explore cybersecurity issues.
Computer viruses currently cause billions of dollars’ worth of economic damage each year, due to causing system failure, wasting computer resources, corrupting data, increasing maintenance costs, etc.

Types of Computer virus:
- Resident viruses
- Nonresident viruses
- Network virus
- Boot infectors
- Overwrite viruses
- Directory viruses
- Web scripting viruses
- Multipartite virus
- Polymorphic viruses
- Trojan horses
- Worm
- Email viruses
- Macros virus
- Direct action viruses
- FAT virus
- Logic bombs
- Spacefiller viruses
- Sparse infectors
- Stealth viruses
- Encrypted viruses
- Companion viruses.
How to protect against viruses?
- Install anti-virus software
- Install firewall
- Use complex and strong passwords
- Keep the anti-virus software up-to-date
- Think before you click on any link or email attachments
- Avoid using free wifi
- Install and update anti-spyware technology
- Keep the operating system up to date
- Back up your files
- Keep your personal information safe
- Double check before downloading any content.
These methods only act as precautionary measures against viruses and do not guarantee a 100% virus free system. But as we all know “Precaution is always better than cure”. If you are interested in knowing how to remove the virus from the system and other interesting news then follow our blog for the latest posts, till then stay protected, stay safe..!!!
Great…would like to read an article about Embedded System using C.
LikeLike
Expectation considered ! You’ll read an article about it soon 🙂
LikeLike
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Genuinely rarely should i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you may have hit the nail about the head. Your idea is outstanding; the problem is an element that insufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am delighted we came across this during my look for something with this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well written! May I just add something so the readers know about this? Well if your thinking Oh! I just need to install an anti Virus Program and im safe! Yeahhhh about that.. Bakasoftware is a virus that disguises itself as an anti-virus program, but when you download it, you get the virus. Be sure to be careful when around Anti-virus programs guys! Also its clear to say that you should NEVER open anything you get emailed even if you know who the sender is. There was a recent virus that anyone infected had their account auto-send another version of the virus link to everyone in their address book. Yeah…. Ill post more info on this soon but for now great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With thanks! Valuable information!
LikeLike
I have learn some just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you place to create this kind of great informative website.
LikeLike
Thank you ! We look forward on improving it more with latest info !
LikeLike