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10 types of computer viruses

The worst computer viruses will kill everything from a single device to the entire operating network, delete sensitive information, endanger personal data, and demand a full hard drive reformat to get things started again. Since you’ve spent so much money from one of the best home laptops or computers you can purchase, then you’ll have to take measures to protect them, and also what to protect them against.

There are more than 100,000 identified computer viruses and while there is only a limited percentage of them “in the wild,” they remain prevalent and pose a significant threat to your machine. In fact, hackers use malware to obtain access to the device and steal sensitive information including the details of the bank accounts and passwords. And it is definitely essential that you learn about the different forms of viruses that can attack your personal computer and damage it. This guide discusses ten of the past and current computer virus/malware types and offers easy ways to prevent them. Be sure to learn about the latest antivirus applications when you’re through to ensure you have the latest security possible.

1. File Virus

Executable files such as .vbs, .exe, or a.com files usually contain file viruses. When you use an executable file associated with such a file virus it might possibly enter the memory of your system and then operate your computer. Two major types of file viruses include resident viruses and direct action, each with its own special properties and removal methods. If you find your system has been corrupted with a file virus, speak to an expert who has Data Forensics expertise and find out more about your possibilities and the best way you can escape with such viruses in the future.

2. Browser Hijacker

A browser hijacker may overtake your home page or search engine by showing inappropriate ads on its own tab. While this sort of virus is merely a web advertising trick to boost viewing and profits, it can be an annoying and frustrating method of hijacking that should really be wiped from your system.

3. Macro Virus

Macro viruses are programmed in the macro language, and that is why they can mimic several macro language software programs like MS Excel or Word. The macro virus could be dangerous because it can take the form of a Word document that can cause an attack or lead the user to a malicious application or website, possibly a pornographic website, when clicked on. Macro viruses will then submit the infected virus file to relatives and friends via your list of contacts, to make matters worse. As soon as you discover a macro virus, it is important to get a data specialist’s support.

4. Direct Action Virus

A kind of file infector virus “Direct action virus” operates when activated or executed by connecting itself to a .com or .exe file. If this occurs, the virus will spread and make unavailable to all existing files. Whereas this is an unwanted direct action virus and can ruin your capability to get to files on your system, they usually cannot completely delete files and with an anti-virus program, it can be removed.

5. Resident Virus

Resident viruses are the same as direct action viruses, as both are kind of viruses that infect files. However, while a direct action virus wants the user to execute or install the virus-infected file for the activation of the virus, a resident virus activates themselves on the system and usually viewed as increasingly trickier and dangerous to kill. Resident viruses would either be slow infectors or quick infectors, which influences the speed at which files and records on your system become infected. Resident viruses should have to be deleted immediately using an anti-malware program because the virus will eventually infect any of the anti-virus systems installed on your computer.

6. Boot Sector Virus

Although the boot sector virus has become more irrelevant in past years, because it was most widely present in the floppy disks used to boot machines, it can still exist on the “Master Boot List” on modern computers. Thankfully, however, modern computers have stepped away from the floppy disk, making boot sector virus cases significantly less frequent.

7. Polymorphic Virus

Polymorphic viruses are incredibly hard to recognize by means of normal anti-virus software as they can change their code each time the infected record is executed. Since most programs of anti-virus identify and delete viruses by detecting its code, the ability of the polymorphic viruses are to modify its own code with each created activation an additional test. 

8. Multipartite Virus

Ability to infect software systems using several techniques, multi-party viruses could be hard to monitor without the assistance of an anti-malware expert or high-quality anti-malware system. The virus can concurrently target both the executable files and the boot sector, while other viruses typically move by one of those ways.

9. Web Scripting Virus

A type of virus “web scripting” is a virus that infects the protection of your web site, allowing attackers to insert their specific code into your web page, and then extract your details from your site. Such viruses, particularly if they infect common and powerful websites that obtain a host of regular traffic, can be very impactful. However, this virus can be eliminated with professional support.

10. Stealth Virus

Stealth viruses get their label because they are able to remain undetected for a long amount of time and also have the potential to alter details on the system by accessing the memory of a file. Although stealth viruses can be difficult for eradication because they appear to stay undetected by different anti-virus programs, a high-grade anti-virus system can identify and kill a stealth virus.

Software viruses are damaging and unwanted threats to our software protection, and also involve a professional’s assistance in deleting the software effectively and with the least possible risk. Data Forensics’ professional experts are specialized in virus identification and avoidance and can help you get the operating system back to life. Cybersecurity certifications are also very helpful to fight against these viruses.