Computer Viruses and Security Threats
Computer viruses and security threats are malicious programs or activities that can damage, steal, or disrupt data and systems.
Definition: A computer virus is a malicious program that attaches itself to files or programs and spreads when executed.
Types of Viruses:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| File Infector Virus | Infects executable files and spreads when files are run. |
| Macro Virus | Targets macros in documents (e.g., Word, Excel). |
| Boot Sector Virus | Infects the boot sector of storage devices, preventing system startup. |
| Polymorphic Virus | Changes its code to avoid detection by antivirus software. |
| Trojan Horse | Disguised as legitimate software but performs harmful activities. |
| Threat | Description |
|---|---|
| Worms | Self-replicating programs that spread across networks without user intervention. |
| Spyware | Collects user information secretly and sends it to attackers. |
| Adware | Displays unwanted advertisements, sometimes tracking user behavior. |
| Ransomware | Encrypts data and demands ransom for access. |
| Phishing Attacks | Fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive information like passwords and banking details. |
| Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks | Overloads system/network to make it unavailable to users. |
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