WHAT IS A COMPUTER VIRUS

Today we are going over what a computer virus is and how it attacks you machine. Read this article to lean more about the malicious programs and how they affects your device.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER VIRUS

A computer virus is quite like a flu virus that spreads through the body in seconds. A malicious program that will infect the the programs of your computer by replicating in seconds. It will start operating on your computer because downloading, or using a file or document with a virus present in it. This can destroy your system. This virus can replicate in itself spreading and replicating without additional programming. A virus can transfer from one computer to the other. It is a malicious program or code that is designed to alter the way a computer works. A malicious code which will run throughout a system changing the entire workings of a computer, this can happen within seconds. 

HOW DOES A COMPUTER VIRUS OPERATE?

If you think that a computer virus starts running automatically on your computer without any source, then you are entirely wrong. Viruses needs a source like a file or a document to enter into anyone’s computer. This virus never occurs on its own but is attached by people on files etc. These viruses have the remarkable ability to replicate. From 1000/s, they will replicate to 10,000, which means that once a virus has entered your system, it isn’t easy to stop or remove it. Unless you hire a professional to assist you.  

This virus may begin working after attaching itself to a legal document, or a program that supports macros, and so on. The virus may remain passive on your computer until it is successfully attached to a file or a document. This code can only be executed once you open the file loaded with computer viruses. After the successful setup of the virus, it will start replicating its own, potentially damaging your whole system. This is why backups are so important.

        ●   HOW DOES THIS VIRUS SPREAD

A computer virus spreads via files or documents. But in this connected world, a computer virus can enter your computer via text​ message,​ email​ ,​ a​ site link, internet files, etc.​ Even your mobile phones can receive these viruses by downloading shady apps that might hack all your data along with the damage. 

WHAT DAMAGES DO VIRUSES CAUSE?

When a malicious virus attacks your computer, the system gets damaged, and the recovery isn’t easy. A virus can change the whole network of your computers and can be quite destructive. Let’s see the actions that a virus might charge on your computer. A virus can damage your computer’s software as well as the hardware.

DATA STEALING

A computer virus can steal all the data saved on your device. Once the virus is activated, it will either start transferring your data, encrypt your data, or even obliterate it. 

DESTRUCTIVE ACTION 

A virus has the capability of eradicating your system in minutes. Different viruses perform different actions, such as RAT​ ( Remote Access Tool), which destroys your computer’s complete software.

HIJACKING

These viruses perform malicious actions. Take an example of Ransomware​ that​ will hijack your computer and not let you operate anything once installed. When this attack is going on, you’ll see a bar at the top of the page for submitting the ransom amount, or else the device and data will be hijacked. 

FILE CORRUPTION

Some viruses are inadequate space-consuming ones.​ Once installed on your computer, several folders keep on creating themselves per second, and you can’t delete them. They fill up the whole system with folders that slow down your computer.

Computer virus harms your whole system by taking over your computer in different ways. 

HOW TO SPOT A COMPUTER VIRUS?

Several changes will start occurring in your computer, and identifying them isn’t too tricky

OPENING WINDOWS

Several pop-ups will appear on the sites that you are visiting. These pop-ups will keep on reminding you all the time that you should download this or that antivirus to save your computer from any external attack. A virus can cause multiple windows to randomly open up on your device. Contact your local tech support if this happens.

SLOW SPEED

If your computer has a virus, then the speed of your device will slow down significantly. That’s a signal of a viral attack.

CRASHING

A virus can damage the hardware of your computer badly. These viruses might crash or freeze your device and won’t let you access your data.

POTENTIAL HOMEPAGE CHANGES

Your homepage might change to another one that you haven’t even chosen. The virus might not let you change again.

FREQUENT PASSWORD CHANGES

The passwords or logins that you have on your computer might change.

RUNNING UNKNOWN PROGRAMS

Unknown programs will start running on your computer with many pop-ups that you won’t be able to stop. Some applications loaded with viruses will start downloading automatically, and the system won’t let you stop them. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SAVE YOUR COMPUTER FROM AN ATTACK?

A computer virus generates not on its own but by humans. Humans have to create it, and other users have to download it somehow. The computer virus replicates by itself when it is operated. This virus might destroy your whole system by entering into it and eating up all the files or corrupting them. It can hijack your computer and run unknown programs in it that are unstoppable. Computer viruses are as dangerous. A computer virus spreads from one computer to another via text messages, email, and many such means. So, if you want to save your computer from this risk of virus​ attack, then take the following preventive measures:

• The files that you download during a sharing program should be scanned first.
• Before opening up your email attachments, always scan them.
• Try not to click on pop-ups.
• Always use antivirus for your computer. 
• Only open emails from safe senders
• Do not download strange files, programs, or apps
• Do not enter your credentials into unknown sources or websites
• Always check the web address
• Do not click links in emails

These are just a few of the things you can do to stay safe. Keep in mind that prevention is the best way to proactively avoid a virus on your computer. Have a strong anti virus solution in place. Back up your data. And finally make sure to stay informed on how to keep your device safe. If you need assistance, contact 4Leet today!