WHAT IS COMPUTER VIRUS? HOW CAN I PROTECT

WHAT IS A COMPUTER VIRUS?

Computer viruses are malicious computer code design to spread between devices. Subsets of malware, these self-copying threats are typically design to damage devices or steal data.

Think of the kind of biological virus that makes you sick. It’s consistently nasty, it doesn’t work properly, and often you need something powerful to get rid of. Computer viruses are very similar.

WHAT DOES A COMPUTER VIRUS DO?

Some computer viruses are programmed to damage your computer by corrupting programs deleting files, or reformatting the hard drive. Others simply clone themselves or flood the network with traffic, making it impossible to conduct Internet activities. Even less harmful computer viruses can significantly interfere with system performance, consuming computer memory and causing frequent computer crashes.

In 2013, the botnet virus Gameover ZueS was found to use peer-to-peer download sites to distribute ransomware and commit bank fraud. Although tens of thousands of computer viruses still roam the Internet, their methods have varied and are now joining various malware variants such as worms, Trojans and ransomware.

HOW DOES A COMPUTER GET A VIRUS?

Beware of Such activities on the internet which can harm you computer with viruses.

• music, files, or photos with other users
• Visiting an affected website
• Spam email or an email attachment
• Downloading free games, toolbars, media players and other system utilities
• Install mainstream software applications without carefully reading the license agreement

HOW DO COMPUTER VIRUSES SPREAD?

Viruses can spread in a number of ways, including networks, disks, email attachments, or an external storage device such as USB sticks.

Links between Internet-enabled devices today are common and provide ample opportunity for viruses to spread. According to the U.S. Cyber security and Infrastructure Security Agency, infected email attachments are the most common means of spreading computer viruses.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A COMPUTER VIRUS?

• Slow computer performance
• Erratic computer behavior
• Unexplained data loss
• Frequent computer crashes

HOW  TO REMOVE A COMPUTER VIRUSES?

Antivirus has made great strides in identifying and preventing the spread of computer viruses. However, if your device gets infected, installing an antivirus solution is the best way to get rid of the virus. If it finds an antivirus, it will give you an option to remove it.

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

• Worms –  Worms are a type of virus that does not require any user action, which normally spreads between devices.
• Trojan Horses – As in mythology, Trojans are viruses that hide within programs that appear legitimate and spread throughout networks or devices.
• Ransomware – Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts users’ files and demands a ransom for their return.

COMPUTER VIRUS PROTECTION

Armed with information and resources, you become smarter against computer security threats and less vulnerable to threat tactics. Follow these steps to protect your PC with the best computer virus protection.

• Use antivirus protection and firewall
• Get antispyware software
• Update your antivirus and antispyware consistently
• Always keep your antivirus protection and antispyware software up to date.
• Update your operating system regularly.
• Increase your browser security settings
• Avoid suspicious websites
• Only download software from trusted sites.
• Do not open messages from unknown senders.
• Delete suspected spam messages immediately

An unprotected computer is an open door to a computer virus. A firewall monitors your Internet traffic on and off your computer and hides your PC from online scammers looking for easy targets. Products like Webroot Internet Security Complete and Webroot Antivirus provide complete protection against two of the most dangerous threats on the Internet: spyware and computer viruses. They prevent viruses from entering your computer, guarding every possible entrance to your computer, and stopping any computer virus they try to open, including even the most corrupt and insidious variants.