Major categories of computer viruses

It is mainly spread through emails, and it is mostly designed to damage the file system or an entire application. On the opposite side, additional files are also executed to affect the other file system and data. It is called a cavity virus.

File infector virus spreads through program files and affects the program whenever it is executed as filetypes. When the file is loaded, the viruses also load along with it. It is also executed whenever the script is loaded. Macro viruses focus on language commands in Microsoft word. Similar comments are applied to other programs. The macros are keywords that are deployed on sequences for commands. The macro viruses are built to add their malicious code to the macro sequence in a word document.

Cyber attackers use social engineering to target the user. The user can enable macros to load the virus. The word document error is overcome in the version Office It can be accessed for trusted work and blocked if required across the company.

The rootkit virus is secretly installed an illegal rootkit on an affected process which opens the gate for hackers and accesses the complete system. The hacker can disable or modify the functions. Unlike other viruses, it is designed to surpass antivirus software. It can infect multiple parts of a system including memory, files, and boot sector which makes it difficult to contain.

A virus left untreated can wreak havoc on your device but if detected early, and appropriate measures are done, then the recovery would be quick. Just like how we protect ourselves from catching a virus, here are a few notes to remember to help keep your devices safe. What is a Computer Virus? Common Types Of Computer Viruses Cybercriminals are getting better and better at stealing our confidential data and viruses that are being created are evolving rapidly.

There are millions of viruses around the world, but here are some common types you should be aware of: 1. File-infecting Virus A virus that attached itself to an executable program. Browser Hijacker This virus targets and alters your browser setting. Web Scripting Virus A very sneaky virus that targets popular websites. Boot Sector Virus These viruses are once common back when computers are booted from floppy disks. Polymorphic Virus This virus has the capability to evade anti-virus programs since it can change codes every time an infected file is performed.

Typically, viruses are attached to shared or downloaded executable files with a program that runs script. Viruses can also attach to a non-executable file such as an image or Word document.

When the host file is accepted into the target system, it runs once the host file is activated. Once activated, the virus can execute malicious code and infect other system files. Worms can enter a system as a downloaded file or through a network connection.

Worms can also run, self-replicate, and propagate without any triggers. Currently, experts have identified three major types of viruses, which can be further divided into subcategories. They include:. Macro viruses — The largest of the three virus types, macro viruses use built-in programming scripts that are found in Excel or Word to automate tasks. When an unsuspecting end-user opens the infected document, it multiplies by making copies of itself.

Boot record infectors — Boot viruses, or system viruses, attack programs found on floppy and hard disks. Each time an end-user boots up, the virus will run automatically.

Hackers can gain full access to an entire system to do what they one. Boot record infectors can spread to every infected bootable disk.

File infectors — These types of viruses are designed to locate and modify. Have you been noticing symptoms of a computer virus lately? Are you looking to reevaluate your current cybersecurity solution? We can help. Get in Touch. Search for: Search Button. Published: June 27, Share This Blog. Get Tech Tips. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Typical signs of computer virus infections include: Ongoing crashes and blue screen errors Slow performance Missing files Low storage Unexpected behavior Constant browser pop-ups Unidentifiable programs Increased network activity Disabled security software.

More High Touch Videos. Here, we illustrate how you can recognize nine common computer viruses. Costs of Cyberattacks. It takes days on average to identify and contain a breach. Repeat Computer Viruses.