What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is an intentionally developed computer programme that acts as malicious software or malware that spreads to many computers and causes damage to data and software. These computer viruses have the objective of disrupting healthy computer systems and hampering their operational issues, which result in data loss and leakage.

Types of viruses that infect Computers are-

Resident virus

Resident viruses hide in your computer's RAM and interfere with computer operations. These viruses are so sneaky that they can attach themselves to your anti-virus software files.

Multipartite virus

These viruses infect entire computer systems. This virus gets unauthorized access to your files folders to corrupt them.

Direct Action: This is a type of virus that corrupts specific file types, like executable files, by replicating and infecting files. Due to its targeted nature, this virus is easy to detect and remove.

Browser Hijacker: This virus is easily detected, infects your browser, and redirects you to malicious websites.

Web Scripting Virus: This virus infects systems by coding links, ads, images, videos, and site code. This virus infect computer system whenever a user download malicious files.

File Infector: This virus targets executable files. It slows down programmes and damages system files when a user runs them.

Boot sector virus: this is an easily detectable virus that hides in a file on a USB or email attachment. When activated, it infects the master boot record of the system and damages the entire system.

Tips to safeguard computer systems from virus attacks

Always use a strong  password and change them frequently

It is advised for employees to use strong passwords and even change those passwords periodically.

Creating a strong password is the easiest way to protect computer systems. You can use a combination of letters, special characters, and numerals to make a strong password for your system.

Install anti-virus software.

Anti-virus software scans for viruses that invade emails, system files, and operating systems to keep your computer healthy. It is recommended to use quality software, keeping in mind the reputation of the antivirus company and the product features offered by the software's compatibility with computers.

Install anti-spyware and anti-malware software.

Malware and spyware can do as much damage as viruses. Most people simply purchase anti-virus software with spyware and malware capabilities, but no single programme can find and remove everything. A multilevel security approach is necessary to allow a more focused attack against those threats.

Perform a daily full system scan.

Viruses, spyware, and malware are continuously evolving. This scan can be done by anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware software to remove malicious files from your system and avoid further damage.

Create a regular system backup.

As malicious agents destroy the contents inside your computer, it is advised to create a periodic backup to make sure your data is retrievable when anything harmful happens to it. Backup options like a personal hard drive or cloud service allow you to back up your data online.

Regularly update your computer system.

It is required to make necessary updates into the computer system to make repairs of bugs and any abnormalities within the system. If your system is not regularly updated then hackers can damage and steal your confidential information.

Use your firewall

A network firewall is an essential tool that keeps your computer on the protected perimeter. It blocks unauthorised incoming and outgoing access. There are built-in firewall capabilities in the operating system.

Use email with caution.

It is advised not to open or read emails that you don’t recognise. Hackers can send you viruses in email attachments; therefore, delete malicious emails from your inbox immediately.

Be cautious while using the Internet.

Even the safest website may contain spyware and malware. It takes one click of the mouse on your computer to get infected. One should precisely enter URLs and the correct spelling of the name of the website. It is advised not to click on popups, ads, graphics and links of other websites.

Types of modern antivirus software

Antivirus software is distributed in several forms, such as standalone antivirus scanners, machine learning and cloud-based programmes, malware signatures, and internet security software that offer antivirus protection along with firewalls, privacy controls, and other security protections.

The three types of antivirus software are

Windows antivirus software: These antivirus programmes protect those systems that run on Windows operating systems. Microsoft offers antivirus software as part of Windows OS under the name "Widows Defender" to detect viruses like Trojan horses, bugs, and worms.

MacOS Antivirus Software

These are antivirus programmes that detect and delete viruses on Apple Mac operating systems; therefore, antivirus products for Mac-based devices are less standardised than those for Windows.

Android antivirus software which is a popular mobile operating system installed on mobile devices, because this mobile malware targets Android system experts suggest that all users must install an antivirus on their mobile devices.

Below are some of the best Antivirus used in 2023

Avira: The best overall value of an antivirus

McAfee- Best antivirus for comprehensive features                       

Kaspersky: It is the best antivirus for anyone to use.

Avast is the best software for entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Bitdefender is the best software for preventing virus attacks.

Emsisoft is the best antivirus software for high-tech defence.

Norton: It is the best antivirus software for cyber security solutions.

Benefits of Antivirus Software

Virus Protection: The most important role of any antivirus programme is to protect the computer against viruses and malware. The viruses cause damage to your data and can degrade the performance of your system. The antivirus installed on your computer will detect the virus and eliminate it before it can cause any damage to your computer.

Spyware Protection: Spyware, as the name suggests, may be malware that spies on computers and steals confidential information. These important details include MasterCard details, passwords, and other financial data. This results in fraud.

Web Protection: While surfing the web, users can encounter different types of threats. On corrupt sites, cyber attackers can gather your MasterCard and checking account details. One of the ways to overcome this is by using antivirus software. Using an antivirus programme, you will protect valuable pieces of information while surfing online.

Spam Protection: Viruses can protect your computer through spam email and ads. These emails and ads can show up repeatedly, even if you don’t have an interest in them. Once the virus finds a way to enter your computer, it will cause irreversible damage. An antivirus works by blocking these spam emails and ads.

Firewall Feature: The firewall gives two-sided protection to your data. This suggests that regardless of the information that is sent or received, it is going to be double-checked by the firewall. Therefore, hackers cannot enter the system's data.

Cost-Effective: Antiviruses are cost-effective in the way they protect your computer. There are some antivirus programmes that are free, but they have limited protection.

Antivirus Software To Safeguard Your Computer From Hackers Spies And Viruses