9 Common Types of Computer Viruses to Watch Out For

A computer virus is a type of malware that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. Viruses can cause various symptoms, including slowing down your computer, displaying unwanted ads, and even stealing your personal information.

There are many different types of computer viruses, and each one has its own characteristics and methods of infection. Some of the most common types of viruses include:

1. Boot Sector Viruses

Boot sector viruses are among the oldest and most common types of viruses. They get their name from their ability to infect the boot sector of a hard drive or floppy disk. A boot sector virus will overwrite the code in the boot sector, making it impossible for the computer to start up properly. The most common type of boot sector virus is the Master Boot Record (MBR) virus.

2. File Infector Viruses 

File infector viruses are another common type of virus. They get their name from their ability to infect executable files. When an infected file is run, the virus will infect other files on the computer. The most common type of file infector virus is the Win32/Sality virus.

3. Macro Viruses 

Macro viruses are a type of virus that infects files that contain macros. Macros are small programs that automate tasks in files such as Microsoft Word documents. Macro viruses can be spread through email attachments or by downloading infected files from the internet. Macro viruses can make it difficult to use the infected files, and they can also spread to other computers.

4. Multipartite Viruses 

Multipartite viruses are a type of virus that can infect both files and boot sectors. Multipartite viruses are difficult to remove because they can spread in multiple ways. Multipartite viruses can make it difficult to start up a computer, and they can also spread to other computers on the same network.

5. Polymorphic Viruses

Polymorphic viruses are a type of virus that is able to change its own code to avoid detection by antivirus software. This makes them very difficult to remove, as each time the virus changes, the antivirus software needs to be updated to detect and remove it.

6. Resident Viruses

Resident viruses are a type of virus that infects executable files and stays resident in memory, infecting any other files that are run from that point on. This means that even if the original infected file is removed, the virus will still be present in memory and will infect any other files that are run.

7. Rootkits

Rootkits are a type of virus that is designed to hide the presence of other malicious software on a system. Rootkits can be used to hide files, directories, processes and registry keys from the user and from antivirus software.

8. Script Viruses

Script viruses are a type of virus that is written in a scripting language, such as VBScript or JavaScript. Script viruses are often spread via email attachments or by visiting infected websites.

9. Spyware

Spyware is a type of software that is installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent. Spyware can be used to track the user’s internet activity, collect personal information or display unwanted advertising.

What to Do About Computer Viruses

If you suspect that your computer has been infected with a virus, it is important to take action immediately.

1. Do not open any email attachments from unknown senders.

2. Do not click on any links from unknown or untrustworthy websites.

3. Do not download or install any software from untrustworthy sources.

4. Keep your operating system and software up-to-date.

5. Run a reputable antivirus program on your computer.

6. Regularly back up your important files.

Conclusion

There are many different types of computer viruses, and each one requires a different approach to removal and prevention. Some viruses are relatively harmless and only cause minor annoyance, while others can wreak havoc on your system, corrupting files and causing data loss. To protect your computer, it is important to be aware of the different types of viruses and how to deal with them.

With a little knowledge and effort, you can keep your computer safe from the many threats that exist out there.

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