A computer virus is much like COVID-19. Just like if you click a risky website or hang out in groups larger than 10, you could be endangering yourself to a virus. Which is worse? Quarantining for 10 days or losing all of your files?
It doesn’t matter if you are on an Apple or Windows computer or on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop, you are at risk of cyberthreats. Contracting a computer virus is easier than you think. Each month, there are 6,000 new computer viruses created, and your computer doesn’t have antibodies to protect itself.
Here are the main viruses that can infect your computer. They may not be deadly, but they can cause many problems that can affect your computer and its contents.
Macro Virus
Macro viruses are the most common malware your computer can contract. These viruses are written in the same code as software applications and come in the form as word documents in email attachments. It spreads through sharing, opening and downloading these files.
Once you download the file onto your computer, the macro virus will begin to create new files, corrupt data, move text, send files and insert pictures. This doesn’t sound too horrible, but when this virus is on your computer, it opens the flood gates to even more vicious viruses and malware.
Browser Hijackers
These “hijackers” don’t come with ski masks, but instead are web advertisers trying to make more revenue for their developers. If you notice that your web browser homepage looks different, you might be under attack. Browser Hijackers create fake search engines and when you search something on it, you will be redirected to a completely different website with pop-up ads for the company they are advertising for.
Browser Hijackers are very sneaky and will overwrite the settings of your web browser's homepage, making it impossible for you to change. Fortunately, these viruses are easily detected from antivirus programs.
Web Scripting Virus
Web scripting viruses target popular websites, specifically social media sites, and infect your computer. They bypass the security of your device and overwrite the code of websites to insert links and videos that install detrimental software on your computer.
These are sneaky viruses and will steal your information through your browser, modify your browser and make your computer sluggish. Because it aims to attack networking sites, this virus can send spam mail to other users through your account, making them at risk of the virus as well.
File infectors
File infector viruses attack your computer through .exe and .com files. Executable (.exe) files, is a program that performs a variety of operations or functions on a computer. It is different from most files in the sense that it cannot be decoded or read, because it is compiled data.
When you launch these files, you will also launch the file infector virus which will take over that program and spread to similar files. These are dangerous viruses, because they can rewrite the codes of other programs and take over your computer. If you think your computer has been infected by a file infector, call a specialist, like Auburn IT.
Boot Sector Virus
Boot sector viruses have been around since the common cold. They are not as prevalent as they once were back when computers were booted from floppy discs. But today, these viruses can be spread by infected USB and harddrives. Each boot sector virus works differently, but most open the door for more malicious malware viruses to attack your computer.
Call the Doctor… or Auburn IT
If you think that your computer has contracted a virus, take it to the doctor! At Auburn IT, we have over 40 years in the industry and know what medication your device needs to rid its system of these malicious viruses. Auburn IT can catch and prevent viruses before they cause harm to you or your business. If you think that your computer is at risk, contact us today!