Viruses affect the optimum functionality of your computer. They are threats that break the security of your system and allows all types of foreign elements have access to it.
If you do not identify these viruses early enough and get rid of them, your computer will crash sooner rather than later. In this article, we will discuss the top 7 types of viruses you should know.
Obvious Signs of computer virus infections include:
- Slow performance
- Missing files
- Unidentifiable programs
- Low storage
- Unexpected behaviour
- Constant browser pop-ups
- Disabled security software
- Continous crashes and blue screen errors
How to avoid viruses
- Use a firewall: A firewall is the first point of defense for your system. The firewall sits between your computer and the internet. Its job is to prevent viruses from accessing your system.
- Don’t click on suspicious links, email attachments and pop-ups.
- Backup your files
- Update your operating system
How to detect viruses
- Install a good antivirus to alert you when there is a virus.
- Run regular scheduled scans with your antivirus.
How to get rid of computer viruses
- Download and install a virus scanner
- Disconnect from internet: To be on the safe side, disconnect your system from the internet. This will prevent further damage because some computer viruses use the internet connection to spread.
- Reboot your computer into safe mode: (i) Turn your computer off and on again, (ii) When the screen lights, press F8 to bring up the ‘Advanced boot options’ menu (iii) Click ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ (iv) Remain disconnected from the internet
- Delete any temporary files: (a) Click the Windows logo on the right bottom (b) Type “Temporary Files” (c) Choose “Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files” (d) Find and select “Temporary Internet Files” in the ‘Files to delete’ Disk Cleanup list and click OK (e) Confirm “Delete Files” selection
- Run a virus scan
- Delete or quarantine the virus
- Reboot your computer
- Replace all passwords
Top 7 Common Types of Computer Viruses
- Browser Hijacker: Easily detected, this virus type infects your browser and redirects you to malicious websites.
- Resident Virus: Resident viruses set live in your RAM and gradually destroy and disrupt your system operations from there. They’re so difficult that they can even attach themselves to your anti-virus software files.
- Direct Action: This virus targets a specific file type, most commonly executable files (.exe), by replicating and infecting files. Due to its targeted nature, this virus type is one of the easier ones to detect and remove.
- Multipartite virus: This virus infects the entire system. Multipartite viruses spread by performing unauthorized actions on your operating system, folders, and programs.
- File deleting virus: This virus is designed to automatically delete files on your system, It can delete system files as well as the stored data files of the computer.
- Overwrite virus: Overwrite viruses overwrite file content to infect entire folders, files, and programs.
- Trojan Horses: This is arguably the most sneaky virus. Used by cyber-criminals, Trojan horses are disguised as normal programs, tempting you to install them on your computer. Once installed, the viruses gain access to your computer’s files and capture your private data – think passwords and online banking information. This can then be used by hackers to make online purchases with your bank account or expose your private information.
Staffwriter at Techawkng.com
Digital Marketing Professional/Social Media Expert/Content Writer
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