Computer Virus

A computer virus is a type of malicious program that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. If this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be “infected” with a computer virus.

Unlike living organisms, viruses are non-living entities that rely on host systems to propagate.

Here are some key points about computer viruses:

• • A computer virus can harm your device and files by infecting them.

    • When a virus program is executed, it replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.

    • The infected files or programs then carry the virus and can spread it further.

    • If a virus spreads massively, it may ultimately result in device crashes.

    • Computer viruses are a significant concern worldwide, causing billions of dollars in economic damage each year.

    • Since viruses primarily affect the programming of the device, they are not visible to the user.

      Virus-infected devices

    • • Slower system speed: Applications take longer to open, and overall processing slows down.

        • Pop-up windows: Excessive pop-ups may indicate a virus.

        • Self-execution of programs: Files or applications open in the background without user interaction.

        • Account logouts: Increased risk of accounts getting hacked.

          There are various types of computer viruses, each with distinct characteristics and modes of operation.

        • Resident Viruses:

          • These viruses reside in the computer’s memory (RAM).

          • They can attach themselves to anti-virus software files, making them hard to detect.

          • Resident viruses can cause operational issues and data loss.

        • Multipartite Viruses:

          • These viruses combine multiple infection techniques.

          • They can infect both executable files and boot sectors.

          • Multipartite viruses are challenging to remove due to their versatility.

        • Macro Viruses:

          • These viruses exploit macros in documents (e.g., Word, Excel).

          • They attach to macros and spread when the document is opened.

          • Macro viruses can affect productivity software.

        • Boot Sector Viruses:

          • These viruses infect the master boot record (MBR) of storage devices.

          • They activate during system startup.

          • Boot sector viruses can cause boot failures and data corruption.

        • Polymorphic Viruses:

          • These viruses change their code to evade detection.

          • Their appearance varies each time they infect a new file.

          • Polymorphic viruses challenge anti-virus software.

        • Direct Action Viruses:

          • These viruses target specific files.

          • They execute when the infected file is opened.

          • Direct action viruses are straightforward but effective.

        • Browser Hijackers:

          • These viruses alter browser settings without user consent.

          • They redirect users to malicious websites.

          • Browser hijackers affect web browsing experience.

        • Overwrite Viruses:

          • These viruses overwrite existing files with their own code.

          • Data loss occurs as the original files are replaced.

          • Overwrite viruses can be destructive.

        • Web Scripting Viruses:

          • These viruses exploit web scripts (e.g., JavaScript).

          • They infect websites and spread to visitors.

          • Web scripting viruses compromise web security.

        • File Infector Viruses:

          • These viruses attach themselves to executable files.

          • When the infected file runs, the virus activates.

          • File infector viruses can spread through shared drives and networks.

Steps to remove a virus from your device

• Disconnect from the Internet:

  • To prevent the virus from spreading across your network or communicating with its author, disconnect your system from the Internet.

• Restart in Safe Mode with Networking:

  • Restart your computer in Safe Mode to mitigate the risk of the virus disrupting the removal process.

  • Safe Mode ensures that only essential system processes run.

• Run a Full System Scan with Antivirus Software:

  • Install a reliable antivirus program (such as Avast, Norton, or Malwarebytes).

  • Run a full system scan to detect and remove any malicious threats.

  • The antivirus will place infected files in a secure quarantine folder.

• Remove Untrusted Apps:

  • Uninstall any unnecessary or untrusted apps from your device.

  • Go to your device’s Settings, navigate to Apps & notifications, and uninstall suspicious apps.

• Check for Security Updates:

  • Ensure your device has the latest security updates.

  • On Android, go to Settings > System > System update to check for updates.

  • For Windows, keep your operating system up-to-date.

• Do a Security Checkup:

  • Visit Google’s Security Checkup to review your account settings and secure your account.