Types of Computer Viruses [Definitions & Examples]

Computer viruses are almost the same as human viruses. There are various types of computer viruses affect computer or laptop as the human virus affects us. It is malware software that takes control of your computer’s program.

Once a virus enters your PC or computer. The virus spreads from one program to another. If someone injects the USB into your system, the USB also gets corrupted and will corrupt another PC’s in which you eject this external device. Computer viruses vary according to their attack, activities, and damages.

Types of Computer Viruses, Names, and Definitions

1) Macro Virus Definition

Definition:

A macro virus is the same as the macro language that is used for software programs. It is not only for other software programs but also includes Microsoft excel or word. Because of the same language as a software application, it infects the applications. Whenever one opens the application, the macro virus begins a sequence of action.

2) Web Scripting Virus

Definition:

Web scripting is a malicious virus that attacks the browser and infects the webpage. It controls your browser activities and settings. Web scripting virus is further divided into two types, non-persistent and persistent.

Non-persistent is the one that infects without your awareness. Persistent virus attacks using your settings and you unintentionally allow web scripting virus to change your settings.

3) Browser Hijacker Virus

Definition:

The Browser Hijacker virus is almost the same as the Web scripting virus. It enters your system through third-party tools and applications.

This Hijacker virus takes place of the searching tools and browser without your knowledge. It changes the homepage settings of the browser.

4) Resident Virus

Definition:

As the name shows, the Resident virus lives in the computer’s memory. It infects the files in memory and does not depend on the program through which the virus entered the PC and keeps infecting other files.

It spreads easily because of having access to the computer’s major part.

5) File-infecting Virus

Definition:

File infecting virus sticks with the code that is running like the processor.

File virus infects an executable file and then keeps infecting other apps, even networks. It has the property of resident virus. Once they get injected into the PC, they always remain active.

6) Overwrite Virus

Definition:

Overwrite virus is a malicious virus that destroys the actual file. The data in the file is overwritten by the virus. This data becomes useless.

It replicates itself and keeps deleting data. Overwrite destroys all the data, so this kind of virus is quite dangerous. This virus targets files with large memory and can make itself strong in the computer’s space.

7) Boot Record Virus

Definition:

Boot record virus attacks the physical parts of the computer. More specifically, the Boot virus infects the BIOS of the system and disables the working. It is one of the oldest types of computer viruses.

Except for BIOS, this virus also targets Master boot record (MBR), Floppy Boot Record (FBR), or DOS Boot Record (DBR).

8) Multipartite Virus

Definition:

The virus has the dual nature of infecting both BIOS and executable files. Multipartite virus quite resembles the security threats one gets.

It spreads quickly from one file to another. Because of its dual attacking ability, it is unique and called a hybrid virus.

Examples of Computer Virus

There are many examples of computer virus some of them are:

1. ILOVEYOU
2. Tinba
3. CryptoLocker
4. Storm worm
5. Stuxnet
6. Anna Kournikova
7. WannaCry
8. Zeus
9. CodeRed
10. Klez

Also, Read Database Security Top 10 Ways

How Are Computer Viruses Made?

Computer viruses are man-made. One creates and releases it. Once viruses are released, it keeps spreading. It is a self-executing program that replicates itself and deleted or replaces the files.

It was first created in 1971 named “Creeper System”. Creeper System virus does not allow to perform any task until it filled up space.

Later, the Boot virus was released in 1986 called “Brain”. For creating a virus, one should know any programming language and create the virus. Be careful, it is harmful to you.

How Can I Delete Virus from My Computer Without Antivirus?

Antivirus is a simple way to delete a virus and get a clean system. In case you don’t have an antivirus or your laptop does not support the antivirus software, then one should do it manually. So, here are some steps to remove the virus without antivirus:

Precaution:

There are various types of firewalls that secure your data. Always keep your firewall on. It will alert you about virus entry or malicious files. So, you can take steps earlier to stop the virus attack.

Built-in Windows Defender:

Every kind of window has a window defender. Keep scanning your PC using this. Windows defender also suggests actions against the virus.

Manual Steps:

1. Open task manager. You can open by right-clicking on the taskbar or by pressing Ctrl, shift, and Esc keys together.
2. In the process tab, check the running process list.
3. Find the running virus
4. End the virus task.

How Do Computer Viruses Spread?

Computer virus enters our laptops, PC or mobile through suspicious email or unsecured links. When we search for something on the browser, sometimes it shows not a secure option, so try to avoid those sites.

Your one click can allow the virus to spread on your computer. The most common sources of virus are external devices, an email containing pdf, and insecure links. For this reason, it is important to secure mobile devices data too.

Also, Read How Does Ransomware Spread Through a Network?

How Do You Get Rid of a Virus on Your Computer?

The simplest way is scanning your laptop using any antivirus software or windows defender. One can get rid of viruses by following these steps:

1. Install any trusted antivirus software.
2. Make sure your internet connection is off.
3. Restart PC in safe mode.
4. Delete the extra files.
5. Scanning using antivirus software.
6. Disable or delete the virus.

Conclusion:

Viruses can hack your computer in different ways. It is necessary to keep a check on actions on the computer and running a scan from time to time.

It will help you out to protect your data from virus attacks. If you are already a victim of a virus, then follow the above steps to get rid of all types of computer viruses.

Also Read DoS vs DDoS: Which Attack is More Dangerous?