A computer virus is a malicious program that can multiply independently and be transmitted from computer to computer over a network or through removable media. All types of malicious software are sometimes referred to as viruses.
Computer virus and its harm
The most harmless viruses simply take up a significant portion of the computer's resources and, as a result, slow down its work. Therefore, with a noticeable decrease in performance, it makes sense to conduct a deep scan of the system with a reliable antivirus program.
More dangerous programs can delete or change the software installed on the computer, format the hard disk or change the contents of the ROM, after which you have to reflash or change the microcircuit.
There are viruses that are introduced into documents created by MS Word and MS Excel using the macros they contain. Such viruses are written in the Visual Basic language.
Trojans
Trojans enter the operating system as a part of the code of a seemingly harmless program, including antivirus software. They collect confidential information about the owner of the computer: information about frequently visited sites, access to e-mail to distribute mailings, track keystrokes to calculate passwords, including those for bank accounts and web wallets. Moreover, Trojans can overwrite and destroy important information.
To avoid being infected with Trojans, you must not follow links sent to you by strangers or download software from unverified sites.
Spyware
This spyware also collects information about the owner of the computer. In addition, spyware viruses can independently install programs and change the computer's network settings, redirecting the owner to certain sites. To install Spyware, cybercriminals usually use vulnerabilities in the security settings of the operating system, detecting open unprotected ports with special scanners.
Windows Firewall allows you to close ports on your computer and reduce the risk of infection.
Adware
Adware launches display of advertising banners while the computer is running. Sometimes the user is required to send an SMS to a short number to get rid of the banner. This should never be done. It is better to go to the Internet from another computer and enter the short number to which you want to send a message in the search bar of your browser. The search will lead to the technical support pages of the antivirus laboratories, where specialists will provide the code for removing ads.
Adware infection often occurs when trying to download programs, movies or music from unverified sites.
Antivirus protection
The most popular programs are DrWeb, NOD32, Kaspersky Anti-Virus. The license for them costs about 1500-2500 rubles. for a year. There are very worthy free programs - Avast and the Dr. Web CureIt curing utility. Avast is designed to fully protect and disinfect your computer, while the Dr. Web utility is designed to scan and disinfect only if an infection is suspected.
Since new viruses appear on a daily basis, it is necessary to regularly update the anti-virus software databases so that they can identify malware in time.
In no case should you run 2 antiviruses at the same time - each of them will perceive the other as malware and will try to deactivate it. As a result, the rest of the processes simply won't start.
It is highly advisable to have a bootable CD or flash drive with antivirus software installed. Sometimes booting from removable media is the only way to conduct an anti-virus scan of your computer.
