12 Types of Computer Viruses You Need to Get Rid of Right Now
There are many types of computer viruses. Virus infection on a computer can have a dangerous impact on the device. So that it can affect the security and performance of the computer network device.
Viruses that infect this computer device can cause a decrease in security performance and possibly the speed of your device. So that the computer device can no longer be used as it should.
Table of Contents
- Computer Virus Definition
- 12 Types of Computer Viruses
- How to clean a virus on a computer
- Conclusion
Computer Virus Definition
Before discussing the types of computer viruses, first need to know about the definition of computer viruses. The goal is that you can have a more complete understanding of the virus and its details.
In short, a computer virus is a computer program that is capable of spreading by duplicating like a biological virus in the body. Then this virus will infiltrate the system through computer programs that are installed and vulnerable to infiltration.
Computers that have been infected by viruses, will experience a decrease in performance and are vulnerable to damage. This is certainly something that is very detrimental because it can eliminate important data on the computer.
In addition, this virus can also spread to other devices through file exchange using a USB flash drive, file downloads, and others. Then some file extensions have changed and become inaccessible because of a virus attack.
Viruses can spread through exchanging files using flash drives, downloading files and so on. Therefore, it is important to know the various types of computer viruses so that you know how to deal with them. Here are some types of computer viruses so that you stay protected from various cybercrimes circulating.
12 Types of Computer Viruses
In general, there are quite a number of types of computer viruses that harm computers and networks. Each virus certainly has its own way of working in causing damage to the victim’s device.
For your information, here are some common types of viruses that attack users’ computers.
Computer Virus Type: Worm
The first types of computer viruses that often infects computers is the Worm virus. In general, this type of virus is not very harmful to the user’s device. Worm is a type of virus that is not too strong and infects computer devices via email that is connected to the internet.
However, Worms are able to multiply quickly, causing your computer’s memory and hard drive to be full. This can result in decreased computer performance and can cause it to be slow.
To avoid potential Worm virus infection, it is recommended to perform regular scans. You can use an antivirus scanner that is widely circulated on the internet. Make sure if you choose only the best and most trusted antivirus.
Trojans
The next types of computer viruses is a Trojan. This malware is very dangerous because it can steal data and even cause device damage. Just like Worms, Trojan viruses also generally attack computers connected to the internet network and through emails that users receive.
Besides being able to cause damage to the device, trojan viruses can get data such as passwords and system logs. The goal is of course to get information from the target, such as passwords and system logs. To overcome the Trojan virus, you can try using a software called Trojan Remover.
Backdoor
Another types of computer viruses that is dangerous is Backdoor. Similar to Trojans, Backdoor viruses are shaped like files or programs that look ordinary. Backdoor in software or system refers to a secret portal mechanism used to gain access to a network, software, website, or computer system without going through an authentication process.
So that hackers can get important data or files without the need for authentication. This of course can be very detrimental. Especially if the personal data includes crucial types of data, for example banking data or others.
FAT Virus
FAT stands for File Allocation Table. This types of computer viruses is destructive to files on certain storage. If any of your files are affected by the FAT virus, the files will be hidden by the virus so that it seems as if the document has disappeared.
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So, if any of your files suddenly disappear, it could be a FAT virus. To overcome this virus, you can use an antivirus scanner that is widely circulated on the internet. But make sure you only choose the best and most trusted antivirus.
Computer Virus Rogue
You need to be aware of this type of virus. Because, Rogue is able to imitate antivirus programs and display activities like a normal antivirus, which is to give false warnings about the discovery of viruses on your device. This is a form of scareware.
The goal is for victims to buy and activate this fake antivirus program and the perpetrators can earn money from it. The danger, Rogue can also open computer security holes to bring other types of viruses into the device.
To prevent this, you can use firewalls and anti-malware and be careful when clicking links or attachments in email messages. In addition, make sure not to download files carelessly on the internet.
Memory Resident Virus
The next types of computer viruses is the Memory Resident Virus. This type of virus has a more specific target, because it was created to infect the computer’s RAM memory. As a result, the performance of the computer’s speed will be greatly decreased and disrupted because some programs are also infected by this virus.
Generally, this type of virus will be activated automatically when your computer is turned on. So that this memory resident virus can be overcome, you can install an antivirus such as Smadav or Avast on your computer.
Types of Computer Viruses : Rootkit
The next types of computer viruses that needs to be known is Rootkits. In short, a Rootkit is a collection of software that can hide running processes, data, and operating system.
This allows other malicious access to enter your device. Then Rootkits can infiltrate the system and damage it by changing parts of the operating system. With a silent process, rootkits can damage the system and infiltrate without being tracked at all.
Rootkit infections can be prevented by installing appropriate security software, eg anti-malware, firewall, log monitoring. Also make sure to keep the operating system and software up-to-date. In addition, stay alert when you want to install any software on the system.
Multipartite Computer Virus
Multipartite virus in general is almost similar to the Memory Resident Virus. Because Multipartite virus can infect RAM and affect the health of computer RAM, almost the same as a memory resident virus.
Even this virus can also attack certain other programs on the computer. If left unchecked, this type of computer virus can penetrate to the hard disk so that it will attack the computer quickly.
The effects of multipartite viruses can of course interfere with the performance of your computer’s RAM and hard disk. Even sometimes, some applications will not be able to be opened because of this virus. To fix this, defrag your hard disk and scan your computer with antivirus regularly.
Virus Directory
The next types of computer viruses that is harmful to computers is Directory. Directory viruses can infect all files with an .exe extension on a computer. So that the program on the computer will be very vulnerable.
Especially for computer users with the Windows operating system. Because on the system the program files use the extension in the form of .exe. When the computer is injected by the Directory virus, the file with the .exe extension will error or disappear for no reason while it is running.
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If the application with the .exe extension is lost, the program will no longer be accessible. To overcome the Directory virus, you need to reinstall the Windows operating system on your device and format the hard drive. This is because the Directory virus does not work if only treated with ordinary antivirus.
Companion Virus
Companion viruses on computers have the potential to interfere with data belonging to device users. To detect this types of computer viruses is also quite difficult because it hides in the storage disk. As a result, the user’s important files will be changed to a different extension.
This virus usually gathers with newly created files. As a precautionary measure against companion viruses, you can overcome this by installing an antivirus and scanning and cleaning viruses regularly on the device.
Spyware Virus
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on a device secretly with the aim of stealing personal data on the device. If your computer is infected with spyware, then all activities carried out by the device will be spied on. Starting from internet activity, login credentials, to when accessing sensitive data.
To prevent this, avoid downloading unofficial apps, clicking on arbitrary links, and be careful about granting app access permissions on your device. In addition, you also need to update your device and security system to prevent this attack.
Types of Computer Viruses : Macro Virus
The types of computer viruses that is no less dangerous is the Macro Virus. This type of computer virus tends to attack macro files such as .pps, .xls, and .docm. Generally, macro viruses are often brought in via email.
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So in order to avoid macro viruses, you must be more vigilant and try your best to avoid foreign messages that enter your email. Don’t click on random links and make sure you regularly scan your computer with an antivirus program.
How to clean a virus on a computer
Now more and more types of computer viruses circulating on the internet. So the threat from the internet is getting bigger. Therefore, it is important to always be careful when accessing the internet using a public connection.
If you have recently been infected with a virus that belongs to the types of computer viruses above, don’t worry because it can still be cleaned quickly. Even so, you still shouldn’t be complacent because late handling can cause the device to be damaged by viruses.
The most common way to clean a virus on a computer is to use a third-party antivirus. It is highly recommended to perform regular scans on the device to check for the presence of viruses on the device.
If possible, you can schedule regular scans on the device. The goal, of course, is for early detection of possible viral infections that can infect the device.
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Some of the recommended types of anti-virus include Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Eset, and so on. Make sure if you only choose the type of antivirus that is really credible and from the official company.
For those of your computer users with the Windows operating system, actually already equipped with a built-in antivirus. This antivirus is known as Windows Defender which is actually quite optimal if activated.
Conclusion
Computer viruses are very dangerous for the device. Because computer viruses can delete data or damage the device. So that it can cause the computer to experience a decrease in performance and can not be used.
In short, a computer virus is a computer program that is capable of spreading by duplicating like a biological virus in the body and then causing damage. There are many types of viruses on computer devices that are dangerous and must be watched out for.
That’s an article about the types of computer viruses and how to deal with them that you need to know. After reading the article, it is hoped that you will have a more detailed understanding of computer viruses and the dangers caused by these viruses.
