ALERT! YOU SYSTEM HAS BEEN INFECTED. Here’s what you need to know. 

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:

1. Resident viruses
2. Nonresident viruses
3. Network virus
4. Boot infectors
5. Overwrite viruses
6. Directory viruses
7. Web scripting viruses
8. Multipartite virus
9. Polymorphic viruses
10. Trojan horses
11. Worm
12. Email viruses
13. Macros virus
14. Direct action viruses
15. FAT virus
16. Logic bombs
17. Spacefiller viruses
18. Sparse infectors
19. Stealth viruses
20. Encrypted viruses
21. Companion viruses.

How to protect against viruses?

1. Install anti-virus software
2. Install firewall
3. Use complex and strong passwords
4. Keep the anti-virus software up-to-date
5. Think before you click on any link or email attachments
6. Avoid using free wifi
7. Install and update anti-spyware technology
8. Keep the operating system up to date
9. Back up your files
10. Keep your personal information safe
11. 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..!!!