Types of Computer Viruses

There are different types of viruses, which do specific damage, some viruses only steal information, while others damage system files, we will be covering all of this information in this guide.

Direct Action Viruses

Replicates and takes action when it is executed. When a specific condition is met, the virus will go into action and infect files in the directory or folder that it is in and in directories that are specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file PATH. This batch file is always located in the root directory of the hard disk and carries out certain operations when the computer is booted.

Resident Viruses

This type of computer virus is located inside the RAM. Inside the computer RAM it can execute several codes to disrupt programs already opened, or files you are currently working.

Trojans or Trojan Horses

This is one of the most dangerous virus out there, a trojan, like the name implies is usually a working program which installs a hidden virus that steals information or opens backdoors for hackers to enter your computer.

Boot Virus

This type of virus affects the boot sector of a floppy or hard disk. This is a crucial part of a disk, in which information on the disk itself is stored together with a program that makes it possible to boot (start) the computer from the disk. The best way of avoiding boot viruses is to ensure that floppy disks are write-protected or knowing what's inside them, scanning a floppy with an anti-virus before opening anything inside of them is the best way to protect yourself. and never start your computer with an unknown floppy disk or CD in the disk drive.

Macro Virus

Macro viruses infect files that are created using certain applications or programs that contain macros. These mini-programs make it possible to automate series of operations so that they are performed as a single action, thereby saving the user from having to carry them out one by one.

Directory Virus

Directory viruses change the paths that indicate the location of a file. By executing a program (file with the extension .EXE or .COM) which has been infected by a virus, you are unknowingly running the virus program, while the original file and program have been previously moved by the virus.

Malware and other types of viruses

Malware is basically an application that captures data without the user consent, usually this data tends to be sensitive or private information.

Hijackers
They are also called hijackware. These are Malware that alter your browser settings. It will take you to the site that you have not asked for. These will help you detect them. The re-direction is an annoying effect of this software. They are often the search pages and start pages for those who pay for their service. This software can slow down the performance of the system and there are chances for the browser to crash.
Keyloggers

They are also called as keystroke loggers. The strokes in the keyboard are recorded and later these are reported to the intruders who own the software. The commercial type of keyloggers is used by companies for monitoring purpose. For example, they are used to monitor corporate spies or employee resource use. They are also used by certain people to spy on the bosses and co-workers.

Adware

This software plays advertisements or pops out ads every time you open a website. These are not the usual ones you find in a webpage. They pop-up erratically and annoy the user. This way you can detect them. Sometimes even voice messages are received. They are intricately connected to that website but they are the adware program. Clicking on them might install spyware in your system.

Spyware

These are programs that get installed in the computer while downloading or even visiting certain websites. They are infectious and once it enters the system it starts tracking all your activity in the including you confidential matters, friends and even passwords. This information is then reported to the intruders.
This is one of the most annoying virus out there, basically it captures your browsing history so it can display advertisement based on that history.

Dialers

They are programs installed in the system that will raise the telephone bill amount to thousands of dollars if affected. This gets installed like the virus (Trojan) or through other codes via attachments in the email or while downloading software. Once it gets installed it will charge lines even while the user isn't visiting the pay-per-view site in the web. The charges vary from dollars to few pennies per minute.

Worms

Worms are computer programs that duplicate themselves to infect computers in a network. Unlike viruses, worms aren't attached to a computer application, they usually breach poor security systems or computers lacking a firewall.

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Types of Computer Viruses

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