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Computer Viruses: What Are They?

What is a computer virus, and how does it work?

What Are Computer Viruses & What Damage Do They Cause?

Computer viruses have been crawling around the internet for decades, continually evolving and adapting to creep their way past the latest security measures. If you’re lucky enough to have never encountered a computer virus (or even if you have), you might not understand exactly what they are or how they work. Let’s take a look at what exactly computer viruses are, the different types of computer viruses, how they can affect your computer and how they spread.

What are computer viruses?

A computer virus is a type of malicious software, also known as malware, that – similarly to a biological virus – infects and replicates itself on a host system. Viruses can cause damage to files, programs, and the overall functionality of your computer. Once installed, a virus can spread itself to other files or even to other systems, depending on its capabilities. Viruses are often hidden within legitimate files or programs, making them difficult for users to detect without the help of antivirus software – or prior experience with the damage they cause.

How do computer viruses work?

Similarly to biological viruses, computer viruses need some sort of human intervention in order to spread – they can’t get into your devices on their own. This commonly happens when an infected file is opened or downloaded. Once triggered, the virus will begin to execute its code, embedding itself in other files, programs, or areas of the system. This process allows the virus to spread from one file to another – it could also spread to other computers, by sending compromised emails and messages to your friends, family or colleagues.

Viruses can be everything from a simple annoyance to a cause of major, sometimes irreparable damage. They impact individuals, organizations, and even infrastructure.

Types of computer viruses

Different types of computer viruses can operate in different ways. Let’s take a look at some of the different viruses you might encounter, and the range of damage they can cause.

Boot sector viruses

A boot sector virus targets the master boot record (MBR) of a hard drive or removable storage (such as an external hard drive). The MBR is crucial because it’s the part of the drive that allows the operating system to load. In this way, a boot sector virus can prevent a computer from starting correctly – or, at all.

In the past, boot sector viruses were spread through floppy disks, but today they can be transferred via USB. They have become less common as technology has advanced, but can still pose a serious threat because of the way in which they attack the start-up functions of a computer – this makes them harder to remove.

File infector viruses

As the name suggests, file infector viruses attach themselves to files. Every time the infected file is opened, the virus is activated. This type of virus can corrupt and damage files, resulting in data loss that can range from frustrating to catastrophic. Recovery might only be possible through professional intervention.

Macro viruses

Macro viruses target files created in applications that use macros – like Microsoft Word or Excel. The virus spreads by embedding malicious code within these files, which is then activated when the file is opened. The virus can then send itself to other systems via email, making it particularly dangerous to corporate email systems. 

How do computer viruses spread?

We’ve already mentioned some of the ways in which viruses can spread and replicate themselves – but here are the ways in which the average user is most likely to come across a virus.

Email attachments and links

One of the most common ways viruses spread is through email attachments or links. A user might receive an email that appears legitimate, prompting them to open an attached file or click on a link. The attachment might look innocent – an invoice, a document, or even a message from a friend. However, once opened, the attachment or link will activate the virus.

Phishing schemes use this approach with great success. These schemes are specifically engineered to trick users into downloading malware, and their levels of deception are growing more advanced as time goes by. 

Downloading infected software

Infected downloads are another popular method of spreading viruses. Users might unknowingly download a virus along with software or files – this commonly happens with sites offering free or pirated media. Sometimes, even legitimate-looking websites can host infected files, especially if they don’t vet user-uploaded content or ads.

Hackers are smart, and will do everything they can to make their offerings appear legitimate and enticing. This includes mimicking popular software.

Removable media

We’ve already mentioned how floppy disks and USB drives can be used to carry viruses between systems. While this might seem like a dated approach to some users, removable media is still widely used in certain industries, and if these devices aren’t properly scanned they can introduce malware to secure networks, potentially leading to serious security breaches.

What damage can computer viruses cause?

We’ve mentioned how computer virus damage can range from irritating to irreparable, but what exactly does that mean for users? 

Data corruption and loss

One of the most damaging effects of a computer virus is data corruption or loss. Some viruses are designed to delete, modify or corrupt computer files, causing irreversible damage. In worst-case scenarios, entire hard drives can be wiped or overwritten, leaving users with no way to recover their data.

In ransomware attacks, viruses encrypt files on the infected system and demand a ransom for the decryption key. If the ransom isn’t paid, the user may lose access to their files permanently, often leading to significant personal or financial losses.

System performance issues

While at work on your computer, viruses consume system resources. This can slow performance, causing programs to freeze or crash, and potentially rendering the computer unusable. 

Security breaches

Some viruses are specifically designed for spying and theft, resulting in serious security breaches. Once on a system, these viruses may monitor keystrokes, capture screenshots, or access files to steal sensitive information such as login details or financial data. This stolen information might then be sold on, used in identity theft schemes, or as part of corporate espionage.

Stay informed, not infected

Prevention is always better than the cure when it comes to viruses – this is why understanding how the different types of computer viruses work and spread is crucial to keeping your data and personal information safe. By staying informed and vigilant, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to viruses looking to worm their way into your devices. Using antivirus software such as SUPERAntiSpyware can help to bolster your defenses and share the responsibility of keeping you safe.

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Computer Virus Protection – Essential Tips

Scan your computer to protect yourself from viruses

How to Prevent Viruses on Your Computer

The internet is full of malware-laden pitfalls – as fast as cybersecurity can evolve, hackers are continuing to create new threats to challenge them. While this battle will likely be ongoing for as long as the internet exists, it’s the role of antivirus software providers such as ourselves to keep users up to date with the latest virus protection tips. While antivirus software is a critical part of your defense, keeping your computer virus-free requires a proactive, comprehensive approach. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips for preventing viruses from infecting your computer, and ways to maintain a secure, efficient and virus-free system when using your computer for work, personal projects or day to day browsing.

Installing antivirus software

A reliable antivirus software should be your first line of defense against viruses and malware. These programs are designed to recognize, alert you to, and deal with any suspicious activity on your computer. Installing a reputable antivirus program will ensure that any suspicious files, unusual activity or dangerous downloads are flagged and reported to you, keeping you on top of potential threats, sometimes before they even have a chance to occur.

Keeping your antivirus up to date

It’s essential that you keep your antivirus software up to date. In the same way that new malware is created every day, antivirus companies will frequently release updates to address these new threats. Missing an update might not feel like a big deal, but it could leave you exposed and vulnerable – simply having the software installed is not enough.

To ensure your software stays current, you can:

  • Enable automatic updates to make sure you always have the latest version of your antivirus software live and running.
  • Check for manual updates, particularly when you hear of any new viruses or if your computer appears to be acting strangely.

Regular software and OS updates

Beyond your antivirus defenses, staying on top of your operating system updates will also help to patch any holes in your security. Each update will address any new vulnerabilities discovered by developers and security updates – ignoring these updates, even in the name of saving time or storage, can leave you with weaknesses that hackers won’t hesitate to exploit.

Patching security flaws

Patching is the process of updating software to fix security vulnerabilities, address bugs, and tackle any other issues that could impact software performance or user safety. A patch is a small piece of code released by the developer that repairs these weaknesses, like patching a leak in a boat.

Your operating system, browser, and other apps should alert you when there are updates and patches that need to be addressed, but it doesn’t hurt to check for these manually to stay on top of things.

Enabling automatic updates

Similarly to your antivirus software, it is often possible to enable automatic updates, ensuring that your computer is always equipped with the latest defenses.

Safe browsing practices

Good browsing habits are also a key element of virus prevention. Compromised websites, pop-ups, phishing emails and deceptive ads are some of the main ways in which malware spreads, luring unsuspecting users in and convincing them to download harmful files. By practicing safe browsing, you reduce your chance of falling foul of viruses.

Avoid suspicious websites

There are thought to be roughly 2 billion websites online in 2024. That’s a lot of potential places to pick up a virus. Sites offering pirated software, movies, and other downloads are some of the most common culprits. To avoid picking up a virus while browsing online, you should follow these tips:

  • Use a reputable search engine, as these will often flag harmful sites for you.
  • Check the URL of every site that you visit – if the URL begins with “https://” it means that the site is encrypted and secure.
  • Don’t let your curiosity get the better of you and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

Use pop-up blockers

Most browsers have some form of pop-up blocker you can activate to stop these annoying and potentially dangerous ads from gracing your screen, and we would highly recommend activating one if you can. Malicious pop-ups are often designed to look as though they come from a reputable source, tricking the unsuspecting users into clicking on them and exposing themselves to malware.

Email and download safety

Many aspects of email safety may sound like simple common sense, but you would be surprised by how many users are caught out by the sophistication of the emails that hackers now use to spread viruses. Exercising caution with emails and downloads is essential to keeping your computer safe.

Be wary of email attachments

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to trick users into downloading malware. These emails may appear to come from legitimate, familiar organizations, or even family and friends. To stay safe, don’t open any unexpected email attachments, even if it appears to be from an entity you know and trust – try to verify what has been sent with the sender where possible.

Many of these phishing attempts fall down in their spelling and grammar, and the unusual nature of their requests. They will also likely try to create a sense of urgency, wanting you to open whatever attachment they have sent before you’ve had a chance to thoroughly vet their email. This is why it’s important to read all online correspondence carefully.

Download only from trusted sources

Downloading files from unofficial sources is a common way for viruses to spread. To avoid accidentally downloading malware, you should:

  • Stick to official websites and app stores where possible.
  • Read reviews and ratings before downloading anything.
  • Look for some kind of verification that what you’re downloading is legit.
  • Don’t accept unusual downloads – for example, if your bank usually corresponds through the mail, be suspicious of any emails suddenly offering you downloads.

Stay vigilant and virus-free

There’s no single answer for how to prevent viruses on your computer – it requires a multi-faceted approach. Installing a good antivirus software and keeping it updated is essential, but it’s only one part of a well-rounded defense. Regular updates for your operating system and other software, coupled with safe browsing and cautious email practices will help to shield your system from threats.

If you’re looking for the right antivirus scanner and software to support your online activities, consider SUPERAntiSpyware.

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How to Remove Computer Viruses

Computer virus removal - how to remove computer viruses

How to Remove Viruses from Your Computer

Almost everyone who owns a computer is likely to run into trouble with viruses sooner or later – in 2023 alone, there were more than 6 billion malware attacks worldwide. Viruses and other types of malware can wreak havoc on computers, causing anything from minor inconveniences to severe data breaches, and even disrupting global organizations and infrastructure. While modern operating systems have improved on their defenses as time has gone by, viruses are also continuing to evolve. In this guide, we’ll cover how to recognize virus red flags, how to remove viruses from your computer, and ways to keep your system safe from future infections.

Identifying the signs of a virus infection

Before we explain the virus removal steps, let’s look at the symptoms of a computer virus. Knowing the warning signs can help you to catch a virus early, preventing it from causing unchecked damage to your computer and data. Malware is designed to operate covertly, but here are the things that could signal their presence.

Unexplained system behavior

An unexpected deterioration in the performance of your computer should always be a red flag. If it’s slower than it should be, freezing frequently, or crashing for no identifiable reason, it might be the work of a virus. This happens because malware often consumes a lot of your computer’s processing power.

Viruses can also affect your system settings. If you notice changes to your desktop background, unfamiliar icons, or your web browsing suddenly displaying a different homepage or new toolbars, it could be a sign that malicious software has modified your settings without your permission or knowledge.

Unusual pop-ups

A classic sign of a computer virus is an unexpected influx of pop-ups. More than just an annoyance, these pop-ups will often pose as antivirus tools themselves in an attempt to get you to click on them. By doing this they can lure unsuspecting users into downloading more malware, or disclosing personal information. Always treat any unfamiliar pop-ups suspiciously, and avoid clicking on any links or following their instructions.

Step-by-step virus removal process

If the warning signs above sound suspiciously familiar to you and you suspect your computer has a virus, taking immediate action is crucial. The following steps will help you remove viruses and any other malware that may be hiding on your system.

Enter safe mode

The first step in the virus removal process is to put your computer into safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that limits your computer to running only essential programs and services, making it harder for viruses to operate and limiting the damage they can cause. By reducing background processes, safe mode also makes it easier to identify and remove viruses. The way you enter safe mode will differ depending on your operating system:

  • Windows: Restart your computer and press either the F8 or F11 key as it boots up.
  • Mac: Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key as it turns back on.

Run a full antivirus scan

Once you’re in safe mode, carry out your chosen form of antivirus scanning. Running a full scan ensures that your antivirus software can comb through your entire system to locate any threats. If you don’t have an antivirus program installed, find one that’s reputable and install it right away. A full system scan may take some time, so be prepared to wait.

Delete temporary files

Many viruses hide in the temporary files created by browsers, operating systems, or third-party apps, so cleaning these out is an essential but often-overlooked part of the removal process. Wait until your scan has completed before doing this – deleting files while the scan is running might disrupt the process and prevent it from being effective.

Quarantine and remove any threats

Once the scan is complete, it will generate a report for you to read. Your antivirus software will categorize threats based on their severity and recommend a course of action for each one. For files that can’t be safely deleted, your antivirus program will usually provide an option to quarantine them. This isolates any infected files, keeping them on your computer but preventing them from causing any harm.

For most threats, the best course of action is to delete them. Follow your antivirus software’s recommendations to remove the harmful files. Once you’ve done this, it’s a good idea to restart your computer and run another scan to make sure the virus has been fully removed.

Protecting your computer from future viruses

Here are some further computer virus protection tips we would recommend you follow.

Keep your software updated

A simple way to give yourself the best chance of avoiding viruses is to keep all of your computer software updated. Operating systems, antivirus software, and any apps you use will all receive regular updates that include vital security patches and improvements designed to block the latest threats.

If you struggle with remembering to check for updates, it’s usually possible to enable automatic updates. This way, your software will stay current without requiring any extra effort on your part.

Avoid unverified downloads

The internet is full of enticing downloads, from exciting new software to interesting-looking files. Unfortunately there are often viruses nestled among these dazzling distractions. Avoid downloading software or files from sites you don’t trust, and never open attachments from unknown senders. Stick to official websites app stores for any software you need, and question any email attachments you receive unexpectedly, even those from trusted sources – they might have been compromised.

Run regular scans

Even if you do everything right, there’s nothing that can make you one hundred percent immune to every possible threat. That’s why running regular scans is so important to maintaining the health of your computer. These scans can be scheduled to run automatically and send you periodic reports, so they won’t interrupt your regular computer usage. This proactive approach will help you to nip any viruses in the bud, before they have a chance to cause damage.

Show viruses the door

With the antivirus software available today, running into trouble with computer viruses doesn’t need to be a death sentence for your computer, or mean irreparable damage to your data. Being able to recognize the warning signs and follow the above steps puts you in the best position possible to handle malware in its many shapes and forms.

Your antivirus software is your best line of defense against malware – so choose it wisely, keep it updated, and scan regularly. For software that secures your peace of mind as well as your system, think SUPERAntiSpyware.

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How to Scan Your Computer for Viruses

How to scan your computer for computer viruses

How to Scan Your Computer for Viruses

It’s often said that a poor workman blames his tools – but, when it comes to computers, the tools with which we manage so many aspects of daily life, maintaining their health is of the utmost importance. Viruses and other types of malware are constantly seeking to sneak into our systems in the hopes of stealing sensitive information, slowing down performance, and sometimes even causing irreparable damage. This guide will walk you through recognizing the signs of a computer virus and how to run the scans that can confirm your suspicions.

Signs your computer may have a virus

One of the most challenging aspects of computer viruses  is the fact that they can so often go unnoticed. Working in the background, quietly wreaking havoc, viruses and malware can lurk on your device while you go about your day to day tasks. Things you might brush off as annoying but benign occurrences – crashes, lag, pop-ups – can actually be the symptoms of a computer virus. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs.

Slow performance and frequent crashes

One of the first signs of a potential infection is a sudden drop in your computer’s performance. Viruses use up valuable resources such as memory and processing power, sapping the energy usually devoted to other programs and processes. If your computer starts to feel sluggish, freezes unexpectedly, or crashes without warning, this could indicate that it has been infected with a virus. If any of these issues start to occur for no apparent reason, it’s worth further investigation.

Unexpected pop-ups and redirects

Pop-up ads are a familiar nuisance; but a sudden surge of them, especially if they appear when you’re not actively browsing the web, should be seen as a major red flag. Some types of malware specifically trigger pop-ups or redirect you to suspicious websites in order to trick you into downloading them. Any time your browser opens a new tab unexpectedly, or repeatedly directs you to new sites you didn’t intend to visit, it’s a good chance that some sort of virus might be at work.

How to scan for viruses

You’ve recognized the warning signs – now comes the time to either confirm your fears, or provide yourself with peace of mind. During a scan, your device will be checked thoroughly for any potential harmful software – system files, programs, downloads, and other such components will be searched for any signs of malicious activity. Here’s how it’s done.

Step 1 – Install a reputable antivirus software

If you don’t already have one, your first step is to find yourself a reliable antivirus program. Not all antivirus software is created equal, so look for one that’s highly rated by experts and offers regular updates to combat ever-evolving online threats. The best antivirus software typically provides a comprehensive defense, scanning for viruses, malware, spyware, and other forms of malicious software.

Step 2 – Run a full system scan

Once your chosen software is installed, you’ll want to run a full system virus scan. A full scan sweeps every corner of your computer, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in their search for any malicious software. Full scans can take a while, potentially even hours, depending on your computer’s size and power, but they’re worth the time investment, especially if you have never scanned your computer before. 

Step 3 – Check scan reports and take action

Most antivirus software will provide you with virus scan reports once the scan is complete. This report will list any detected threats and provide you with options for how to handle them. They might even provide a list of potential vulnerabilities, allowing you to stop viruses from gaining access to your system in the first place. If your scan does find any existing threats, you’ll usually be given options along the lines of quarantining, deleting, or ignoring them. Quarantining a virus isolates it, preventing it from causing further harm, and deleting it removes it from your computer. Always take actions on any flagged items, and don’t ignore alerts unless you’re absolutely sure the file is safe.

The different types of scan

Most software will provide you with a few different options for what kind of scan you want to run. Each scan has its strengths, and some are more applicable than others depending on the situation.

Quick scans vs full scans

The shorter alternative to a full system virus scan, a quick scan will check the most common areas where malware can be found, such as system memory, startup files and download folders. Quick scans are ideal for routine check-ups, but aren’t as thorough as full scans. 

Custom scans

If there’s a particular area of your computer that’s causing you concern, or if you want to isolate a scan to a specific folder or external drive, you can often customize your scans to accommodate this. Because the scan will only be aimed at a precise location, it will take less computing power and often be quicker than a full scan.

Best practices for regular virus scanning

Knowing how to scan your computer for viruses is one thing – doing it on a regular basis is a habit you have to develop. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your computer virus-free.

Schedule regular scans

Setting up scheduled virus scans is a great way to alleviate the pressure of having to remember to run regular manual scans. Scheduling ensures that scans happen automatically, and can be set to run at times when you won’t be using your computer, so you’re not sitting around waiting for a scan to finish when you could be doing other things. A popular option is to schedule a quick scan once a day, and a weekly full system virus scan.

Keep your antivirus software updated

Your antivirus software is only as effective as its latest update. New viruses are created on a daily basis, often built specifically to combat the latest antivirus defense, so it’s important that antivirus providers regularly update and patch their programs with the latest improvements. Regularly checking your software for the latest update is as important as running regular scans. 

Plan your scans with SUPERAntiSpyware

To summarize:

  • There are lots of places for viruses to hide within the confines of your computer, and learning to recognize the warning signs can give you a valuable heads up.
  • Using antivirus software to run scans will enable you to detect any viruses or malware lurking undetected in your device.
  • Utilize both full system virus scans and quick scans.
  • Running scheduled virus scans can help to ensure round the clock protection, even for the forgetful among us.
  • Software updates keep you safe from the latest threats.

Protecting your computer doesn’t need to be difficult or confusing – with the right tools, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our anti spyware products.