Cybersecurity experts define that a computer virus is a type of malware, as well as worms, that can multiply themselves with the aim of damaging as many systems as possible. In this article, we describe the types of computer viruses harmful to the system. We hope it is useful.
Types of computer viruses
The types of computer viruses are basically malicious programs that damage or modify files or other systems. Said viruses act as follows: it embeds its malicious coding in the internal part of the file, so that, from that moment, said file, which becomes an executable, remains as the carrier of this virus and thus, a replicator of this.
The different types of computer viruses that can modify or damage systems:
Malware
It is a technical computer term that results from the conjunction of the words: malicious software or malicious software. These types of computer viruses, is intended to sneak in and damage a computer or files without permission from its owner.
So, malware is coined mainly to refer to any computer threat. Within these types of computer viruses, there are several more detailed categories according to each threat such as worms, Trojans, computer viruses, adware, spyware or ransomware.
Computer virus
This is a class of malware, whose function is to affect the correct functioning of a system. The way to infect is through malicious code, and its particular feature is that it needs the participation of the user of the system to run, and at that moment, controls in order to damage the computer by spreading.
different types of computer viruses, those that are made to only annoy, but there are others that severely damage the computer, eliminating files that are important for the system and its operation.
Generally, they do not tend to hide, but instead look like executable files, example: Windows .exe.
Computer worm
This is another type of computer virus, one of the most frequent malware, and the difference with viruses is that it is not necessary for the user or for any file to be changed to infect the computer. Like the virus, it can replicate and spread.
When entering a computer, the worm tries to acquire the addresses of other computers through contact lists, to send copies and infect them.
They can make common computer tasks excessively slow, and it also causes unauthorized messages to be sent from your computer via email or any social network.
Trojan
A Trojan tries to go unnoticed while it enters the computer in order to take actions to try to open the system to other malicious programs that may enter it.
One of the commonality between different classes of malware is that they try to enter the system as if they were legal files. This malware enters your computer as a legal program and while inside, it makes space between the defense system for other malware files to enter and infect. Trojans cannot spread themselves.
spyware
These other types of computer viruses can be installed on your computer, they work in secret, hiding themselves permanently so that your defenses are not activated.
Its objective is to collect all the information about the user, the actions carried out on the computer, the content of the hard disk, the applications and programs installed and all the actions carried out on the internet.
Adware
These types of computer virusesIt is a kind of program that is complicated to classify, since it does not affect the computer, but has the sole objective of entering it and teaching advertising, while it is on the internet when a program is running.
This kind of software is installed in programs that later spreads for free, being a way of making money for developers.
Ransomware
These types of computer viruses, is responsible for kidnapping information from the computer and requesting a monetary ransom in order to release the information. This is one of the malware that has been taking the most boom in recent times, that is why it is recommended to permanently update the antivirus.
Other types of computer viruses
There are other types or classes according to their characteristics, the most important are described below:
Resident viruses
This type of computer virus hides inside the RAM memory and from there, they manage to intercept all the actions that are carried out in the system, damaging all the programs or applications that are executed.
Direct-acting virus
The main objective of this virus is to multiply itself and when it reaches its ideal condition, it manages to activate itself and goes to programs and applications to infect them.
Overwrite virus
These viruses have the particularity of damaging the infected file, since they write in its content, managing to make it practically totally damaged.
Boot virus
These types of computer virusesThey do not infect files or programs, but rather the hard drives that the computer has. They first infect the boot area of storage devices or hard drives.
When the computer starts up with a storage device, the boot virus will infect this disk. This virus does not harm the computer as long as it does not boot, so the best way is to protect all storage devices against writing
Directory virus
This virus modifies the addresses that indicate where files or programs are stored. In this way, when a program runs, the virus actually runs. And when the infection is generated, it is impossible to find it, much less, to be able to use the folders.
Polymorphic viruses
They are types of computer viruses that each time they infect, they are encoded differently, thus developing a large number of copies, preventing antivirus from locating them.
Multipartite viruses
These make a chain of infections, their basic function is to infect any component, file or program.
File virus
This virus infects executable programs or folders. When executing the program that contains it, it proceeds to be activated.
FAT virus
This virus attacks fundamental elements in the computer, stopping the entrance to certain areas of the disk, where it is possible to save the fundamental folders or those of critical condition for the optimal functioning of the computer.
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