Computer Viruses can be defined as malicious code or a subset of a virus embedded in a legitimate program to perform malicious actions through host-to-host propagation by replicating itself without the user’s knowledge. Nowadays, the term computer virus has become commonplace most of the time. But don’t know or don’t know about the latest computer virus that has appeared online.
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Top Common Types of Computer Viruses
1. Multipartite virus
These resilient monsters are on the rise. Although most viruses attack the major boot sector of a computer or through computer files, multipartite can do both. Versatile viruses are difficult to prevent. This explains the rapid growth rates of many parties in recent years. It is usually spread through .exe files, so how do programs like Word and Excel know if your computer is infected by multipartite? Unlike others, these viruses eat up your virtual memory. So expect the message There is a lot of ‘Your computer is low on virtual memory, and your computer will suddenly slow down.
2. Spacefiller Virus
Also known as ‘niche viruses,’ Spacefiller viruses find gaps in program code and climb in by adding their own code. These Computer Viruses will not change the file size like other viruses, which makes them difficult to detect. Most antivirus programs find it challenging to catch spacefillers, but there are a few manual virus search engines that tech pros use to root them. They are not only difficult to detect, but it is also difficult to create, and there are not many files that can be attached, making Spacefiller viruses very rare.
3. Resident virus
One of the most common viruses that you found, these little intruders find their way into your computer’s memory totally uninvited and act like home. You can think of your old roommate’s annoying friend who would invite himself over every night and steal your Ben and Jerry’s from the fridge. Resident viruses can come from email attachments, infected downloaded files, or shared files. It then activates whenever your computer performs certain actions and can attach itself to antivirus software. Deceiving things that are responsible for managing viruses and the best solution is to get relevant experts.
4. Polymorphic virus
These are sly Computer Viruses like chameleons that change color for any situation, and polymorphic viruses modify whenever they reproduce. This makes it difficult for most antivirus programs to track down. When it finds a way to enter your computer, usually through email attachments or downloads from suspicious websites. The software has the right to delete files, steal data, and generally destroy your system. The bad news is that these shape-shifting scammers are on the rise. The good news is that leading antivirus programs are starting to adapt alongside them, using more sophisticated scanning techniques to catch these chameleons.
5. Browser hijacker
The browser hijacker will replace your internet searches and redirect you to web pages that you do not even want to visit. Although they are not as dangerous as other types of viruses, it’s more to lure you than steal from you. Browser hijackers are still an annoying problem as they will significantly reduce your UX when browsing the internet. If you encounter a lot of random pop-up ads or your normal browser homepage has changed without your telling. There is a chance that you will have a browser hijacker. You can always scan email attachments before opening them and avoid downloading files from questionable websites to avoid browser hijacking.
6. Web script virus
This is one of the modern eras. The web scripting virus is a very clever little bug that blends into the background of popular websites, which is usually social media platform. They disguise themselves as normal links to entice you to click on them. Then Computer Viruses steal your cookies like a greedy school bully. Okay, cookies, we’re talking about the type of cookies that store your data. Still, web scripting viruses shouldn’t be overlooked because they can send spam to your system, corrupt your data, and spread faster than most viruses.
7. Overwrite virus
When it comes to viruses, these won first place. Viruses generally overwrite files and clean the source code without your knowledge. Once deleted, the original file cannot be recovered, and data is lost. It is often spread through e-mail, attachments, or downloading files on the Internet. Therefore, scan the file with antivirus software before downloading and opening it. This will help you detect these viruses before they have a chance to cause problems.
8. Trojan Horses
Their name comes from the large wooden horses that the Greeks hid to enter the ancient city of Troy. These are among the hidden computer viruses. Cybercriminals use Trojan horses. It is disguised as a regular program that entices you to install it on your computer. Once installed, Viruses access files on your computer and store your personal information, such as passwords and online banking information. Hackers can use this to make online purchases with your bank account or reveal your personal information.
9. Macro virus
These types of Computer Viruses are commonly found in Microsoft Office programs like Word, and Excel files are a favorite place for macro viruses to embed themselves. Like most other viruses, macro viruses increase the size of files when they infect because they attach their own code. When a macro virus infects a file, it can be easily spread to other computers when they are shared, for example, via email.
10. Boot sector virus
Boot sector viruses are like beeps and Tamagotchis, A small thing terrifying, which was huge in the 90s, one of the oldest viruses. The boot sector virus goes straight to the core of your computer. This affects the startup or ‘boot’ process. In the old days, these viruses spread through floppy disks. Nowadays, they attach themselves to emails or USB sticks if your computer detects them. You will need a professional to reformat the entire system (Windows, Mac).
11. Stealth virus
These are Hidden viruses, or ‘tricky’ viruses, are smart when it comes to hiding during virus detection. Sometimes it will delete itself from memory during detection or even change the code used for detection.
12. Encrypted virus
Encrypted viruses remain in their encrypted form so that virus scans can be avoided. When it’s time to act, it uses an internal description algorithm.
13. Rootkit Virus
Rootkit Computer Viruses can hide detections within affected systems, affecting performance. It installs illegal rootkits to gain access to attackers to gain control over the functions of the virus-infected system.
14. Armored computer virus
Armored viruses make use of specially designed encryption mechanisms to avoid being detected by anti-virus engines. Sometimes it will mask itself, provide incorrect location information, or find a way to escape even from the eyes of virus specialists.
15. Tunnel type computer virus
Tunnel viruses will attempt to block antivirus software to prevent detection. As a result, the interception program will be disabled.
What are the tips to avoid computer viruses?
1. Install antivirus software
If you want to avoid infecting your device from the Internet, It is essential to install and use antivirus software. Computer Viruses are a significant cyber threat. That’s why it’s a good idea to protect your device from viruses. Reputable security software can help protect against phishing and other online threats while you deposit money, shop, and browse online.
2. Beware of email attachments
Email services such as Gmail and Outlook will ask for your permission before downloading attachments. There’s a reason that Downloading attachments can be dangerous. Although e-mail services often have antivirus protection built into their software, emails with virus attachments can still reach your inbox. Most viruses can attach to images and install themselves as soon as the email is opened. You can configure your settings to show only images from trusted sources. This will help prevent infected images from becoming viruses on your computer.
3. Avoid questionable websites
Avoid clicking links to sites with questionable names, such as combinations of letters and numbers that don’t look the same as words. Also, look for sites that share trusted brand names. But there is a different pattern within the URL. If there are additional symbols in the URL, it may be a fake website.
4. Avoid pirated software
Pirated software often comes from rare websites or peer-to-peer sharing. Both have users who may simply be looking for their favorite movies or want to spread the virus.
5. Back up your computer
This trick may not help you avoid infecting your device from the Internet. But it will help you avoid the damage and stress that comes with it if you do so.
Wrapping It Up
This list of Computer Viruses is the most common type, most of which are stuck in less secure computer systems. Always be on the safe side; then make sure that you use the best antivirus that will enable protection from entering any type of virus or malware. Moreover, in the world of technology, every day, there are many different types of windows viruses produced by hackers to infect and steal your personal information in many different ways. It is good to know about them.
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