What Is a Virus, and How Can You Protect Yourself From It? Antivirus Software
Our computer lexicon contains many definitions of computer viruses. However, we felt it necessary to put these terms in context. First, let's try to give a simple definition of what a virus is: it is a computer program with malicious intent. The types of malicious acts are varied, and it is their field of action that will determine their classification.
To navigate between all types of viruses
As a general rule, a virus is any program that prevents the use of a computer workstation. However, we must distinguish between malicious software that is categorized more specifically under the name of malware. The consequences of a virus can range from completely freezing the operating system to displaying unwanted advertisements to machine slowdowns.
Types of viruses
Boot virus: located on a bootable media of the hard drive of the computer or server.
Worms: they infiltrate and duplicate in a network to saturate its resources without destroying data and without attacking programs. Crypto-jacking being one of the latest examples.
Macro virus: specifically affects Microsoft Word and Excel software, via VBscript. This type of infection is launched as soon as the script is activated. It usually works like a worm, with the aim of spreading itself through email software. Now Words macros are capable of launching ransomware.
Trojan horse: this type of software allows the hacker to take control of your machine remotely. As a result, he can see everything you do, or even act for you.
Keylogger: program capable of retrieving the keys typed on the keyboard of a computer. Thus, the hacker can recover information as valuable as a password and banking information.
Ransomware: LOCKY, BAD RABBIT, might these names ring a bell? It is the pet peeve of companies because this ransomware (or ransomware ) is more and more widespread and aims to encrypt the data of a machine or a computer server. Data unblocking is subject to payment of a ransom.
We could also mention the case of phishing, phishing, which is more like a technique of hacking by the mailbox. The principle is to retrieve information from bank accounts or credit cards by pretending to be large companies, banks or administrations.
In addition, the times of action of viruses differ. Some attack machines instantly or amplify their action over time. Others, like logic bombs, act on a scheduled date and time.
How do you catch a computer virus?
Most of the viruses mentioned above can only be installed by user action. This could be a click on an email link, a file download or the use of illegal peer to peer (P2P) downloading software. It can also come from a visit to hacked sites. Let us not forget USB keys, a major factor in the spread of computer viruses.
What to do against viruses?
Knowing how viruses work is the first step towards good computer practice.
In case of infection, a simple antivirus program may suffice. But sometimes it is necessary to reset the machine to ensure that there is no "trace" of the program left. In all cases, it is preferable to call in a specialized computer technician.
In prevention, it is essential to use Antivirus Software. For data transfer, we recommend online transfer solutions rather than by USB key. You should also be particularly careful while browsing the internet. A point that it is possible to prevent, in business, by the establishment of an IT charter. Finally, an active online data backup is a guarantee that your files will be recovered in the event of an infection.

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