What is a Computer Virus? And How to Avoid Infection in 2022

What is a Computer Virus?

Most people have heard of the increasing number of viruses that are spreading online to infect computers. These are all signs that you have an infection.

Some viruses can lock your computer’s information and demand a ransom to get it back. Hackers can seize emails, family photos, passwords, banking information, and contacts if a computer is left unprotected.

While you may believe your computer is safe, it’s impossible to know if it will infect you. It’s only a matter time before your data is infected if you don’t use an antivirus that protects it.

This guide will explain what a computer virus is and give valuable tips on how to protect your important data on your computer and devices.

Computer Virus 101

Let’s get down to the basics. A virus spreads from one host (in this instance, a person) to another. Once it infects a computer it can be hard to kill.

Computer viruses are entirely man-made, unlike viruses found in nature. Hackers can create malicious programs that can damage your computer, steal data, access passwords, and perform other unwanted actions almost without your knowledge.

How do you get a virus?

In short, a virus is transmitted from an untrustworthy or unknown source. This could be an email sent from an unknown source that contains an attachment with a virus attached. It also might happen from downloading software from unsafe sites (such as porn, gambling or illegal music and download sites).

How do you know if you have a virus?

Sometimes, you may not be aware that you have a virus until it has infected your computer. It can silently work behind your computer’s firewall without you being aware. If you have other computers in your network, it could infect them as well.

Watch out for these key signs:

• Mass email blasts to your contact list without your authorization
• Slow performance
• You may be prompted to download other programs and antivirus software by strange pop-ups
• Password changes without your authority
• Hard drive making continual noise
• Files missing
• Changes to your homepage
• Error messages
• Computer crashes or freezes
• Start your computer and unfamiliar programs will start up

How to Protect Yourself Against Computer Viruses

There are always new computer viruses, and each one requires a different strategy. However, you can minimize your chance of contracting a virus by taking proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of it happening.

These are five tips that will make a more effective tool.

1. Get an antivirus program. There is a wide range of antivirus products on the market. Each one has its own advantages and prices. They scan your computer according to a schedule and look for unusual activity. They will quarantine any files they find and then remove them from your computer. This is an essential step to protect your computer from computer viruses. Make sure you do your research and find the best one for you.
2. Do not open attachments sent from unknown addresses. If you receive an unusual attachment from someone you don’t know, you should contact them to find out what it is. It could be a virus.
3. If you aren’t sure about the site, don’t click on any pop-ups. You can certainly click on pop-ups inviting you to sign-up to receive emails from trusted brands, but if you aren’t familiar with the site or if you’re told that there is a virus and you need to remove it, do not click.
4. Only download and buy legitimate software. It’s tempting to get music and movies from free sites. But, the risk of downloading viruses is high. Use legitimate websites to get software for free, but only pay for it.
5. Keep your files backed up. Cloud storage is a great way to keep a backup of important documents and photos. You’ll always have a backup in case of a virus deleting your files.

What can you do next to protect yourself?

Although there are ways to get rid of malicious viruses from your computer, they can be time-consuming and costly. To reduce your chances of being infected, you can use proven methods like installing an antivirus program. You’ll be able to rest assured that you are protected.

Source : #safetydetectives
Editor by : BEST Antivirus KBS Team