Types Of Computer Viruses That You Should Know

The frequency of cyberattacks has grown significantly in recent years as computer technology has advanced. Attackers often gain access to private information by various techniques including hacking, unethical coding, etc. and use it to demand ransom payments, sell it, or occasionally even use it in terrorist operations. According to the most recent reports, new malware is launched every 7 seconds. shocking, huh? 

The harmful computer viruses that can put you and your data at risk everytime you use a computer will be covered in this article. 

What Is A Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a form of malicious software or code that is intended to spread from one computer to another and damage the system. A virus has the ability to replicate itself, infect additional files or programmes on the computer, and spread to other devices connected to the same network.

Computer viruses can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including:

• Deleting or tampering with computer files and data
• Causing a system crash or slowdown
• Stealing delicate information like credit card numbers and passwords
• Showing obtrusive pop-up adverts or messaging
• Gaining access to the computer and exploiting it to commit sinister acts

Viruses can be transmitted by a number of means, including corrupted software downloads, rogue websites, and email attachments. A virus poses a major threat to the entire system once it has infected a computer and has the ability to propagate to other computers and devices linked to the same network.

Use antivirus software and keep it updated, stay away from downloading files from untrusted sites, and use caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links from untrusted sources if you want to protect yourself from infections. Regularly preserving crucial file backups can also lessen the harm that a virus infestation can do.

Different Types of Computer Viruses 

Computer viruses come in a variety of forms, each with its own special traits and means of propagation and harm. Some of the most typical categories of computer viruses are listed below:

• File Malware - When these viruses infect executable files on a computer, they cause those files to execute and transmit the infection to other files.

• Boot sector Malware - When a computer boots up, these viruses are loaded and run because they have infected the boot sector of the hard drive.

• Macro Viruses - When a file containing macros, such as a Microsoft Word document, is opened, these viruses can propagate to other files.

• Variety of Viruses - Each time they replicate, these viruses are made to alter their look and coding, making it more challenging for antivirus software to find and eliminate them.

• Worms - These are self-replicating viruses that may propagate over networks and the internet and frequently cause a substantial amount of harm by utilising system resources and bandwidth.

• Trojan horses - These viruses pass for safe or legitimate software, but once they are installed, they are capable of carrying out a number of destructive tasks like data theft or opening a backdoor for hackers to access the system.

• Ransomware - These viruses frequently seriously harm personal and commercial data when they encrypt the victim's files and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

• Rootkits - By altering system files and processes, these viruses conceal their presence on the computer, giving attackers remote access and control of the machine.

• Spyware and Adware - These infections frequently cause annoyance and system slowdown as they collect personal information and display unwanted adverts or pop-ups.

It's crucial to be on guard and take precautions to defend against these different virus kinds, such as using antivirus software and frequently backing up crucial files.

How to Protect Computer from Viruses?

The following actions can be taken to protect your computer Laptop from viruses:

Install antivirus software 

Install and keep up-to-date a reliable antivirus programme on your computer. Viruses and other malware can be found and eliminated with antivirus software.

Keep your Operating System and Software up-to-date

Make sure the most recent security updates are installed on your operating system and other software. This can guard against vulnerabilities that are known to exist and that viruses may take advantage of.

Employ a firewall

In addition to preventing viruses from connecting to the internet and infecting other computers, a firewall can stop unauthorised access to your computer.

Be cautious of email attachments

Especially if they are.exe,.vbs, or.scr files, do not open email attachments from unidentified sources. Viruses may be present in these files.

Install Software only from reliable sources

Software should always be downloaded from reliable websites; it should never come from dubious or shady sources.

Be cautious of pop-up ads

Avoid clicking on pop-up advertising or banners because they may take you to malicious websites or cause you to download infected files.

Use Strong Passwords

For all of your accounts, create secure, one-of-a-kind passwords that you update frequently. This may aid in limiting hacker access to your computer and the propagation of infections.

Backup your files regularly

Backup your vital information frequently to a cloud storage platform or external hard drive. This may lessen the harm brought on by a virus infection.