What are the different types of Viruses, Spyware and Malware that can infect my computer?

This article provides information about the different types of Viruses, Spyware, and Malware that can infect your 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 users knowledge or permission. It usually attaches itself to other computer programs, data files, 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 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 on 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 log key strokes, or gather credit card and other information.

Adware

Adware is software which can automatically cause pop-up and banner adverts to be displayed in order 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 and 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 picture can carry a virus.
• Do not trust cracked or hacked software as they often contain malware, Trojans.

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

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