Everyone has their own favorite way to stay safe online. For some, it might be to access a secure website only when it’s already dark out so as not to be tracked by hackers. Others may prefer to use a VPN service for added privacy. However you like your security, without fail, you are always being tested on your computer skills. Whether you’re using Facebook, Twitter, or other websites that take advantage of secure URL schemes and HTTPS (HTTP over HTTPS) technology, cybercriminals are constantly testing their defenses against the Internet. Even with all the precautions we take these days to stay protected from cyberattacks and protect our data from prying eyes—and even with our best efforts—we still sometimes make mistakes. Sometimes when we least expect it, a virus attack will come through without warning or leave us wondering how to detect and respond to the threat. Let’s take a look at what viruses are and how they work. Then learn how to recognize the signs of an infection so that you can prevent future damage from viruses on your PC as well as any malware attacks that might come knocking at your door in the future.
What is a virus?
A virus is a type of malicious computer program that can be transmitted via computer network connections or sent as an email attachment. Like all malicious programs, viruses are designed to do one thing –to take over a computer and make it do their bidding. However, viruses are a special type of malicious program that has the ability to spread by copying their code into the computer’s random-access memory (RAM). Once in the computer’s memory, the virus’s presence cannot be erased or removed. Thus, viruses are “persistent” in the sense that once they have entered your computer, they cannot be removed. In order to remove a virus, you need to either delete it from your computer or remove it from the computer that holds it.
How Does a Virus Work?
A virus is a type of malicious computer program that can be transmitted via computer network connections or sent as an email attachment. Like all malicious programs, viruses are designed to do one thing –to take over a computer and make it do their bidding. However, viruses are a special type of malicious program that has the ability to spread by copying their code into the computer’s random-access memory (RAM). Once in the computer’s memory, the virus’s presence cannot be erased or removed. Thus, viruses are “persistent” in the sense that once they have entered your computer, they cannot be removed. In order to remove a virus, you need to either delete it from your computer or remove it from the computer that holds it.
Symptoms of a Virus Attack
For the most part, when a computer is attacked by a virus, the malicious codes are first placed in the computer’s address space. Then, when the computer does a software tool called “instruction set reconstructed” (RISC) assembly—without any help from the user—the codes can be executed. Thus, the malicious codes are contained within the computer’s own memory space. Furthermore, when a computer is running a version of Microsoft Windows older than XP, the operating system’s built-in Retired Software Removal Tool can be used to remove most types of malware. However, most malware removal tool Windows apps no longer work with XP, and some of them won’t work with 7 or 8 either. Besides, some malware removal tools only work on Windows PCs (not Macs).
Detecting and Responding to a Virus Attack
Many types of computer viruses are single-purpose programs that can be easily identified and removed by the programs’ authors. Thus, most computer security experts recommend just removing the program if it’s a Known Virus or Adware. Even then, discover the best antivirus, so you should check yours too by using one of these programs: If you want to be extra careful, you can use Safe Mode with Networking to view and delete malicious files and registry entries that may be hidden in the system. Use a virus scanner to check if your computer is infected. These programs can usually scan files and folders in your computer for known viruses. Most virus scanners have a “scan all” feature that you can use to check your computer for viruses and other types of malware. Some of these programs are ad- and hackers’ scanners. Use a good antivirus program to protect your computer. These programs can usually recognize and remove most types of malware and viruses. However, some programs may be too “noob-friendly” and may even give an erroneous message if a program is too “old” for you. Use special software to remove any “undocumented” threats such as “u” commands, .COM files, etc. Although most antivirus programs can handle these files, you should use a special program to remove them.
Summing Up
Viruses are malicious computer programs that spread by copying their code into the computer’s random-access memory (RAM). Once in the computer’s memory, the virus’s presence cannot be erased or removed. Thus, viruses are “persistent” in the sense that once they have entered your computer, they cannot be removed. In order to remove a virus, you need to either delete it from your computer or remove it from the computer that holds it. Computer viruses are a major threat to computer security. They can sneak into your computer and damage your computer’s hardware or software, or they can remain in your computer’s memory and cause chronic computer problems. To protect your computer, you need to be careful when using the computer, using the Internet, and when you store files. It is important to use a reputable antivirus program to check for malware on your computer.