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Getting sick sucks, well it is not different for computer systems. Computer viruses, also known as malware can cause problems in your system such as slowing down your computer or developing bugs that steal your data.
Every year, new types of viruses are detected. In 2019, around 3,50,000 new pieces of malware was detected. While viruses latch on to any device such as Windows PC to Macs to Smartphones, a recent study found out that Android Devices made up to 26% of all infected devices.
According to a study, it was believed that MacBook’s were much more secure than Windows PC, but latest data shows that this report was not actually true. Mac was being detected with even more threats which are much more dangerous than any other device.
Let’s get into the blog and understand different types of computer viruses.
Types of Computer Viruses
Here is a list of computer viruses that could affect the working of your systems and software.
1# Resident Virus
Resident Virus is a file infector. They tend to install themselves on your PC and become continually dangerous as they can latch on even after the primary source of infection is removed from the unit.
Depending on the programming of the virus, it is task to find it and remove it from the system. If the resident virus is a fast infector, it causes the damage as fast as possible but if it is a slow infector, it slowly kills your system causing permanent damage to the system
2# Direct Action Virus
As a counterpart of the resident virus, direct action virus infects the files on the systems but is clearly visible on the system. It can be spotted easily which makes it easier to remove. It does not install itself, rather works through particular files such as EXE or COM.
As you click on the infected file, the virus is activated and starts spreading across all other files in the system. Even though it does not harm the functioning of the computer, it makes the files inaccessible, so you need to remove it using an anti-virus program.
3# Boot Sector Virus
This is considered to be one of the most dangerous viruses out there as the infection spreads fast on the master boot record. It often leads to the reformatting of the system as it is not easy to remove.
The virus encrypts the computer’s boot sector leading to damage of the code. But the good news is, that over the years, due to technological advances and the development of BIOS architecture of newer PC’s, has led to reduced effectiveness of this virus. They usually enter the system through removable media such as USB flash disks or hard drives.
4# Overwrite Virus
Even though Overwrite virus is less dangerous than other viruses, it is frustrating that insurance doesn’t cover businesses against virus attacks.
This virus can only be stopped from further spreading is by removal of the files or entire software application it has infected. It is hard to identify, but you can definitely prevent it by being cautious with downloading emails with attachments.
5# Multipartite Virus
Multipartite virus, which is an amalgamation of different kinds of computer viruses spreads across various areas of the system and works differently depending on various factors. For instance, its attack and effectiveness could depend on your computer’s operating system.
It spreads fast through your boot sector and files, making it tougher to remove and might also require full system reformatting to prevent any recurrence of the attack.
6# Spacefiller Virus
Compared to other viruses, this virus is the most intelligent virus. As other viruses attach themselves to executable files, spacefiller focuses on infecting empty spaces within the files and software applications.
It keeps increasing in size as it invades programs without damaging it. It does not hide itself from being easily detected like other viruses, rather it’s a rare virus which makes it an uncommon threat among computer systems.
7# Polymorphic Virus
Polymorphic virus is difficult to detect by anti-virus programs as well. Most programs take weeks or months to formulate a proper routine necessary to identify a single polymorphic virus.
Detection of this virus takes longer than usual because the software types can only blacklist a single virus variant. They spread faster because they keep changing their signatures as it reproduces making it look different and harmless kind.
8# Web Scripting Virus
With the help of programming used for websites, web scripting virus enters the computer system. Through different coding done for images, videos and layouts, you might unknowingly download the virus by clicking on malicious website links or by watching their recommended videos.
To prevent this virus from entering, use the security programs to detect any malicious coding while browsing the internet.
9# Memory Resident Virus
Being one of the destructive and damaging virus types, the Memory Resident Virus attacks your system and sets itself as the base of operations, which means, as the operating system runs, it helps the virus to work more smoothly by simply running.
The effects of this virus differ in several cases, but it is commonly known for corrupting files.
10# Trojan Horses
Considered to be one of the sneakiest viruses in the computer world, Trojan Horses gets its name from the Greeks’ wooden horses used to get inside the city of Troy. It is commonly used by cyber-criminals as they act as a disguise of normal programs.
While, it not only tempts your system to install the virus, but once installed, it gains access to all the files and private data on your system, including data-think passwords and online banking information. It is mostly used by hackers to conduct online frauds by misusing your bank account and private information.
Bottom Line
With thousands of viruses online, internet provides a great avenue for all such types of computer viruses to proliferate. But, if you are careful enough, you can protect yourselves from getting your systems infected.
If you cannot handle the infection yourself, you must contact someone who is a pro at Data Forensics to help protect your computer system!
