What Are the Different Types of Viruses, Spyware and Malware That Can Infect My Computer

Table of Contents:

1. Different Virus Expressions
2. How Can a Computer Be Protected from Viruses?

1. Different Virus Expressions

Virus

A computer virus is a piece of software that can 'infect' a computer, install itself, and copy itself to other computers, without the user's knowledge or permission. It usually attaches itself to other computer programs, datafile, or the boot sector of a Hard drive.

Malware

Malware is short for malicious software. Malware is the name that is given to any type of software that could harm a computer system, interfere with and gather a user's data, or make the computer perform actions without the owner's knowledge or permission.

Trojan horse

A type of malware that uses malicious code to install software that seems ok, but is hidden to create back doors into a system. This typically causes the loss or theft of data from an external source.

Worm

Unlike a virus, a worm is a standalone piece of malicious software that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers. It often uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security flaws in the target system to allow access.

Spyware

Spyware is software that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. Spyware can monitor and log the activity that is performed on a target system, like logging keystrokes or gather credit card and other information.

Adware

Adware is software that can automatically cause pop-up and banner adverts to be displayed to generate revenue for its author or publisher. A lot of freeware uses Adware but not always in a malicious way. If it was malicious, it would then be classed as spyware or malware.

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2. How Can a Computer Be Protected from Viruses?

• Install an anti-virus program keep it up-to-date and regularly run scans.
• Install an anti-malware program to stop software installing without your knowledge.
• Never download and install software from the Internet unless you are certain it is from a trusted source.
• Do not open email attachments unless you have scanned them first, even a figure can carry a virus.
• Do not trust cracked or hacked software as they often contain malware or Trojans.

For more information please see this article - Protect your computer or remove virus, spyware, or other malware in Microsoft Windows.

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