Many know that such a computer virus and virus attack only at the level of an amateur or a home user and do not think how dangerous it can be. More detailed information about all sorts of cyberattacks will not be superfluous when working with computer equipment in any field of activity.
Computer virus - what is it?
Often, computer users warn - do not open files from an untrusted source, suspicious pages of sites, use someone else's flash cards, otherwise you can pick up a malicious program. So what is a computer virus - this is the software itself, which by its actions can harm the computer.
It can be embedded in the system, memory and files, leaving their copies there, thereby blocking their work. In some cases, such a threat can be so severe that it is impossible to recover data stored on the device. At present, viruses and antiviruses inflict more and more harm on computers - protection programs against them also do not stand still.
Classification of computer viruses
Regardless of the already existing huge number of types, new types of computer viruses appear, which require the development of the newest protection programs. There are several classifications of malicious programs:
- On systems that can hit a virus - for Windows, Android, Linux and others.
- By objects that the virus infects: viruses of source code, bootable, file (they have separate classification according to the principle of action - rewriters, parasites or viruses "satellites"), scenario, macro viruses.
- According to the programming language, which is used in the development of the virus - scenario, assembler and others.
- By the technology of the virus, for example, polymorphic viruses or rootkits.
- By its functionality - spyware, backdoors, botnets.
Boot viruses
Virus attacks of this type differ in that it penetrates the first sector of the hard or floppy disk of the computer when it is loaded. Further, the virus can spread to all the disks on the device. Several such viruses are rarely found on one disk, since they need a certain space on it. Most of the virus attacks of this type are now replaced by similar to the mechanism of the bootkits. Bootable and file types of viruses can often accompany each other.
Network viruses
Often the classification of viruses allows for a clearer definition of one or other malicious software. So, network viruses are a program that is able to spread independently on the Internet. The principle of action of these viruses has two directions:
- The infected program is launched by the user himself because of the fact that it is presented to him under the guise of a safe one, for example, with an electronic mailing list.
- The virus penetrates the system due to errors in the computer software.
File viruses
A similar dangerous virus is introduced into the computer system and its executable files, thereby infecting it and getting the ability to navigate with files to other computer hardware. In most cases, its action is invisible to the owner. Dangers can be exposed objects with extensions exe, com, sys, bat, dll. These viruses have their classification according to the principle of infection:
- overwriting, penetrating the file, destroys it without the possibility of recovery;
- parasitic is able to be embedded in executable files;
- the virus is represented as a separate file.
Macroviruses
Many types of viruses are so specific that it requires antivirus work to remove them. These include macro viruses. For their development, specific programming macrolanguages are used, which are contained in application programs:
- editors;
- text and graphics programs;
- spreadsheets.
Through the files of these programs, macro viruses in most cases infect the computer - the distribution of such viruses is carried out using the same macro languages. Malicious software can be embedded in the system, copy the requested information, delete it or send it by e-mail.
How to deal with viruses?
Unexpected to the user of computer equipment can become an attack of viruses. It can be rapid when, at the start of an infected file, the virus locks the system, or, conversely, long, when the virus gradually infects various parts of the system, and the user does not notice any significant changes in it. The result is an infected computer, which requires treatment or system recovery.
As a fight against viruses can be used all sorts of protection programs, firewalls - both third-party and system, antiviruses. It is important to follow certain rules that can make it possible to avoid infection with the virus:
- Do not open unfamiliar files sent by e-mail.
- Do not download suspicious applications, archives, programs.
- Use protective programs.
- Do not leave passwords and access to personal files
- Do not use other people's flash drives and memory cards.
Checking your computer for viruses
To check the computer for viruses, you need to install a special program, which, as a rule, is free. Most antiviruses are designed not only for personal computers, but also for tablets and smartphones. Among the popular anti-virus programs are the following:1. Kaspersky Anti-Virus - the basic program for protecting your computer from malicious attacks. Its advantages:
- no impact on computer performance;
- reliable protection and constant updating of databases;
- functional protection management system.
2. Antivirus Dr.WEB offers programs to protect your computer from a wide range of known viruses. In addition to the standard package, the functions of parental control and data loss protection can additionally be connected.
3. Antivirus ESET NOD32 - the software is designed to protect against cybercrime and virus attacks. Timely updating the programs of this manufacturer allows you to avoid the penetration of computer known as well as newly created malicious programs.
4. One of the free antivirus programs is Avast . Its characteristics:
- high speed detection of malicious programs;
- virus blocking in real time;
- friendly interface;
- the ability to customize the protection settings.
In the absence of experience, it is better to entrust this work to specialists. In some computer systems there are predefined protection programs. Depending on the tool available to the program, it scans the computer and suggests removing the virus or curing the detected threat. In most cases, upon completion of the work, the program issues a report on the work done.
How can I remove a virus from my computer?
If you have any questions about how to remove the virus, you should refer to the same protection programs. Depending on its complexity, distribution and the degree of damage to the system, they can cure the computer. In the absence of a positive result, the work of a more qualified specialist may be required:
- cleaning the register;
- formatting of existing disks;
- reinstall the system.
Before the beginning of the work under consideration, it is recommended that you contact a specialized worker who can assess the extent of the system's damage, realize the possible treatment of the computer and restore the earlier available data. Pay attention to the fact that only a trained person to cope with such a problem, not allowing consequences for the electronic programmable device.
Protection against viruses
As a rule, the detection of viruses is the main task of anti-virus programs. Their work is aimed at scanning, finding and recognizing malware. There are a lot of such remedies. They differ from each other in the mechanism of action and the variety of functions. The user himself can not detect the virus in all cases. They can manifest themselves in explicit form as:
- banners;
- advertising;
- additional browser windows.
Can be hidden and manifest as:
- pop-up windows;
- computer hangs;
- impossibility of its loading or opening of separate programs.
We should not forget about precautions when opening unfamiliar files, documents, while working on the Internet. Knowing what a computer virus is and how you can prevent it from appearing will be useful for both home and office users. Such information will help to avoid wasting time on restoring the computer system or lost data, and in some cases also the financial costs of repairing it.