What are Computer Viruses and How they spread ? | HackThatCORE

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A computer virus is a type of malicious software program ("malware") that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.When this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected" with a computer virus.
The term "virus" is also commonly, but erroneously, used to refer to other types of malware. "Malware" encompasses computer viruses along with many other forms of malicious software, such as computer "worms", ransomware, spyware, adware, trojan horses, keyloggers, rootkits, bootkits, malicious Browser Helper Object (BHOs) and other malicious software. The majority of active malware threats are actually trojan horse programs or computer worms rather than computer viruses. The term computer virus, coined by Fred Cohen in 1985, is a misnomer.Viruses often perform some type of harmful activity on infected host computers, such as acquisition of hard disk space or central processing unit (CPU) time, accessing private information (e.g., credit card numbers), corrupting data, displaying political or humorous messages on the user's screen, spamming their e-mail contacts, logging their keystrokes, or even rendering the computer useless. However, not all viruses carry a destructive "payload" and attempt to hide themselves—the defining characteristic of viruses is that they are self-replicating computer programs which modify other software without user consent.

How a Computer Virus spread online in very simple Ways?

Over 16 million households report having had serious computer virus problems over the past three years. Knowing what to watch for while online can go a long way toward keeping hackers and various harmful versus from ruining your computer (or worse). Here are a few simple traps the often lead to an infected hard drive.

Not Having Antivirus Software

Easily one of the most baffling and avoidable mistakes of all is running your computer without virus protection. A computer without virus protection is like a car without seatbelts.

Failing To Install Critical Updates

Another common mistake many people make is neglecting to install important updates. Keeping your system updated can be as simple as changing a few settings and never having to think about it again. Do it right now if you haven't already.

Opening Email Attachments

It's hard to believe, but people still fall for this classic trick on a daily basis. Never open an email attachment from a name or address you don't recognize.

Clicking a strange Dialog Box without reading it first

Never click the 'ok' button on a dialog box without reading it. If an Internet ad says your computer is infected or that you need a plugin, get out of there and don't click anything; it's a trap.

Downloading Software Illegally

Crooks love to hide malicious software in pirated software, music, and movie files. When downloading media files, use trusted websites and software. Ask yourself, 'would I give my credit card information to this website?'

Be Wary of USB Drives

Take care when downloading files from USB drives, especially ones given to you by people you don't know and trust. Your USB port is a great way to allow a hacker to access your computer without even having to be online.

Don't Turn off Crucial Safety Features

The various email programs of the world block images found in your incoming messages for a good reason. Don't let the inconvenience of clicking the "download pictures" button compel you to turn that feature off permanently; you will regret it, eventually.