What are Computer Viruses? How can you Protect your Computer from Virus?

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses are malicious software programs designed to infect computer systems and cause harm. They are a type of malware that spreads by replicating itself and attaching to other files or programs. Viruses can cause a range of harmful effects, including data loss, system corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Here are some common types of computer viruses:

1. File Infectors: These computer viruses attach themselves to executable files, such as .exe or .dll files. When an infected file is executed, the virus activates and may replicate itself to infect other files on the system.
2. Boot Sector Viruses: These computer viruses infect the master boot record (MBR) or boot sector of a computer’s hard drive or removable storage devices. They can prevent the computer from booting properly or cause other system errors.
3. Macro Viruses: Macro viruses infect documents or spreadsheets containing macros, which are small programs used to automate tasks within the document. When you open the infected document, the virus executes malicious code.
4. Polymorphic Viruses: Polymorphic viruses have the ability to change their code or appearance to evade detection by antivirus software. This makes them particularly challenging to identify and remove.
5. Resident Viruses: Resident viruses embed themselves into the memory of a computer, allowing them to run in the background and infect files as they are accessed or opened by the user.
6. Multipartite Viruses: These computer viruses combine characteristics of file infectors and boot sector viruses, allowing them to infect both files and the boot sector of a computer.
7. Worms: While not strictly viruses, worms are similar in that they self-replicate and spread across networks, often exploiting security vulnerabilities to infect other computers. Worms can spread rapidly and cause widespread damage.

Protection:

Protecting your computer from the computer viruses involves implementing a combination of proactive measures and security best practices. Here are some essential steps to help safeguard your system:

1. Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Antivirus programs can detect and remove known viruses, as well as provide real-time protection against new threats.
2. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software to patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re protected against the latest threats.
3. Exercise Caution Online: Be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. Avoid visiting suspicious websites, and never download files or programs from questionable sources.
4. Enable Firewall Protection: Use a firewall to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.Most operating systems include built-in firewalls that you can configure to provide an additional layer of defense against unauthorized access and malware.
5. Secure Your Network: If you have a home network, secure it with a strong password and encryption. Consider using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2 encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
6. Enable Email Filtering: Configure your email client to filter out spam and malicious attachments. Be cautious when opening email attachments, especially from unfamiliar senders or unexpected sources.
7. Practice Safe Browsing: Be mindful of the websites you visit and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups. Use browser extensions or plugins that offer additional security features, such as ad blockers and script blockers.
8. Be Wary of Removable Media: Exercise caution when using USB drives, external hard drives, or other removable media. Scan them for viruses before accessing or transferring files to your computer.
9. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your computer, online accounts, and Wi-Fi network. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
10. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Educate yourself and your family members about safe computing habits to minimize the risk of falling victim to malware attacks.