written by Regina
Computer virus is one of the existing malicious software
(Malware). This is a malicious piece of code that attacks computer software by
replicating itself through sharing of files or software to spread to other computer.
Viruses are pinned to executable files, programs and
applications such as spreadsheet or word documents. There are other ways in
which virus can pin and spread. These other ways include downloaded soft-copy
internet material, e-mail attachments or social media file sharing.
Meaning of Virus and Malware –
Virus is a specific type of all the existing malicious software (malware) which
is designed to replicate and spread, while malware is a broad term used for all
the existing malicious software.
TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUS
1. Boot Sector Virus
- Boot sector virus is the virus that infects the master boot record and
is capable of damaging the code. If the code is damaged by this BSV, the
computer should be formatted.
2. Web Scripting Virus – Web Scripting Virus is a kind of virus that is
forced into a website to disorganize security of the website or to make it
vulnerable to hacking.
3. Resident Virus -
Resident virus hides in the computer memory and keeps spreading to other files
after the original host virus has been removed.
4. Direct Action Virus – direct Action Virus does not take any action unless there is an execution of an infected file.
5. Polymorphic
Virus – Polymorphic virus is a very complex virus which
is hard to detect due to its tendency to change its code to any form of file it
has infected. The reason it changes its codes is because Anti-Virus programs
works by detecting the code of the Virus.
6. File Injector or
File Infecting Virus – File
infecting virus is a virus that inserts infected code into executable files
such as .exe or .com extensions, and can even reformat a hard drive.
7. Multipartite Virus - Multipartite virus infects both the boot sector
and the executable programs. It has different mode of transmission and as a
result re-infection takes place after the detected ones are removed.
8. Macro Virus – Macro virus is a virus written with the same language of a macro
software application to attack and spread to other related software such as
Microsoft word, Microsoft excel and others.
Symptoms of computer virus / malware
Viruses are numerous but there are common symptoms that
announce their presence.
Some of those symptoms are just indications of damages.
The symptoms exhibit the following:
1 The computer becomes much slower in booting and
in executing action
2 The icons on the desktop changes color or image
3 Computer freezes or hangs during operation
4 Computer becomes unresponsive ( does not respond
to mouse click or keyboard strokes)
5 Hard drive lights constantly shows like its
processing when there is nothing in process
6 When user opens a Program, it takes time to load
7 System program and application begins to crash
8 Files and folders delete automatically against
user’s command
9 Constant pop of Error messages, advertisements
and notifications
1 Web
browser homepage changes against user’s command
1 System
security disabled against user’s command
1 Some
unknown input are made
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