What is a Virus and how does it work?
A Virus is a sub-group of the so-called "Malware". The refers to computer programs that want to cause harm to the user harm.
- Definition: A Virus usually consists only of a file as a program executable. By a small Code in otherwise innocuous files can be turned into viruses. In General, viruses have to penetrate the task unnoticed in a System, and to bring damage to the user or Profit by spying for the Virus maker.
- Types: There are numerous types of viruses. Which differ not only in the intended point of attack, but also in the way how they work and what are the file types you are stuck.
- Routes of infection: The most common viruses through the Browser and through E-Mails penetrate into the System. Enter seemingly innocuous search terms in Google, and you'll arrive, unfortunately, often even on sites that infect your Computer unnoticed. Just as often, viruses are attachments present in the Mail. Thousands of users will receive daily E-Mails with bogus invoice. Viruses can hide in attachments or Links.
- Function: Classic viruses can be different than the "worms" are not self-executing, which is why they are now less represented (see image). A Virus is initiated by the user actively, or he has ensconced himself in a different program and is started over this, the consequences are very different. The Virus remains undetected, he may be harmless changes to the System, delete operations, to Hardware damage as well as everything.
- File types: Generally, they can be in any file, make sure that it is free of viruses. Even in photos Codes can be unnoticed to write as a Virus function. Therefore, you should not open any files whose origin you know.
- Protection: No Computer can be fully protected against viruses, unless he has a connection to the Internet or external storage media such as USB Sticks. Otherwise, a Anti-virus protection is essential. It can also recognize that not all threats and to stop, its detection rate is relatively high. Popular free programs are the products from avast, Avira, Microsoft and AVG.
- Damage limitation: it Has managed to get a Virus on your Computer, it is extremely difficult for him again. Often it is not enough to only delete the source file. In the case of an emergency you should reinstall the operating system, to clean the System completely.
The distribution of Malware
How to use a Trojan horse on your Computer, read this practical tip.
