Computer Virus

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 What is a Computer Virus
A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that spreads
between computers and causes damage to data and software. Computer viruses
aim to disrupt systems, cause major operational issues etc.
The term VIRUS stands for Vital Information Resources Under Seize. Viruses
are attached to an executable file, which means that if a virus exists on a
computer, it will not infect the computer unless we run the malicious program.

Virus Symptoms
When a virus infects a
computer many usual activities
happen in a computer, like;
▪ The computer or web browser dramatically slowed
down over a period of a few days/a week.
▪ Frequent freezing or crashing of the computer.
▪ Files are modified on its own.
▪ Unwanted messages pop-up.
▪ Programs start running without our consent.
▪ Unusual emails/social media messages being sent
without our permission.
▪ Certain drives on the computer become in accessible
 Types of Viruses
Manner of classifying viruses
is to analyze whether they ▪ Macro Virus
reside in binary executables , ▪ Boot Record infectors
data files, or in the boot sector
of the host’s hard drive. ▪ File infectors
The different types of Viruses
are:
 Macro Virus
A Macro virus is a computer virus written in the same macro language used to
create software programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word. It centers on software
applications and does not depend on the operating system (OS). As a result, it can
infect any computer running any kind of OS, including Windows, macOS and Linux.
Melissa is a popular Macro Virus.
 Boot Record Infectors
A boot virus targets and infects a specific, physical section of a computer system
that contains information crucial to the proper operation of the computer’s
operating system (OS).
It is also known as a boot infector, an MBR virus or DBR virus.
Stoned and michalengelo are examples of Boot Record Infector Virus.
 File Infectors
File Infectors are malware capable of infecting files to spread on other systems,
removable devices, and the network. To do this routine, they seek out and copy
their malicious code to certain files (.EXE, .DLL, .SYS, and .HTML among others).
Jerusalem and Cascade are examples of File Infectors.
 Spread of Virus
Virus programs are self-
replicating programs, which
▪ Removable storage
propagate by infecting more
and more computer files, ▪ Files from the internet
resulting in a loss of speed
and data. A virus can spread ▪ E-mail attachments
in one of the three ways:
Spread through Removable Storage
Removable storage devices provide a way other than the Internet for the spread
of computer viruses. However, nearly all previous epidemiological models of
viruses considered only the Internet route of spread of viruses, neglecting the
removable device route at all.
A virus can also be embedded in a normal file on a flash drive even if the
AutoRun feature is disabled. The computer will gat infected when that file is
opened.
 Spread of Virus by the Internet
Computer Virus spread very quickly through the internet because they can be
transmitted to many sites, simultaneously. There are many websites that,while
visiting, try to install adware bugs, which cause a flood of pop ups to appear on
our screen. This adware often allows for the other rogue programs to be installed
and before we know it, our computer gets filled with the filthy material.
 Spread through E-Mail Attachment
Most viruses, Trojan horses, and worms are activated when you open an
attachment or click a link contained in an email message. If our email client
allows scripting, then it is possible to get a virus by simply opening a message.