About Lesson
Types of Viruses:
There are various types of viruses that can infect computers and other electronic devices. Here are some common types:
- worms: Worms are computer bugs that copy themselves and travel across networks without needing humans to help them. They can cause a lot of damage by spreading quickly and disrupting computer systems. To stop them, it’s important to keep software updated and use security tools.
- Trojan Horse: A Trojan horse is a type of harmful software that disguises itself as something useful or harmless, tricking users into downloading or installing it. Once activated, it can steal sensitive information, damage files, or give hackers access to the infected device. Avoiding suspicious downloads and using antivirus software helps prevent Trojan infections.
- File Infector Viruses: These viruses attach themselves to executable files (such as .exe or .dll files) and activate when the infected file is executed. Once activated, they may replicate themselves and spread to other files on the system.
- Boot Sector Viruses: These viruses infect the boot sector of storage devices like hard drives or USB drives. When the infected device is booted, the virus loads into memory, allowing it to infect other devices connected to the computer.
- Macro Viruses: Macro viruses infect files that contain macros, such as documents created with Microsoft Word or Excel. When the infected document is opened, the virus can execute its malicious code and potentially spread to other documents.
- Polymorphic Viruses: Polymorphic viruses have the ability to change their code or appearance to evade detection by antivirus software. Each time they replicate, they produce slightly different versions of themselves, making them challenging to detect and remove.
- Overwrite Viruses: An overwrite virus is a type of malware that replaces or modifies existing files with its own code, often rendering them unusable. It spreads by attaching itself to executable files and can cause data loss or system instability. Regularly updating antivirus software and being cautious with file downloads can help prevent overwrite virus infections.
- Directory Files: Directory viruses are a type of malware that infects the directory structure of a file system, altering the way files are organized. They typically hide files or create duplicates, making them difficult to locate and potentially causing confusion or system instability. Regularly scanning for malware with antivirus software and being cautious with file management can help mitigate the risks associated with directory viruses.
- Rootkit Viruses: Rootkit viruses are sneaky malware that hide deep in a computer, giving bad actors control without detection by normal security programs. They can mess with system functions and steal information, so keeping security software up to date is crucial for catching and removing them.
- Direct Action Virus: Direct action viruses are straightforward malware that activate when you run an infected file, usually causing a specific nuisance like displaying a message or slowing down your computer. They don’t spread widely or hide deep within your system, making them easier to detect and remove with up-to-date antivirus software.