Computer Virus

DR. SOUVIK SAHA

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
AMITY INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
AMITY UNIVERSITY KOLKATA
Computer Virus

 A computer virus is a type of malicious computer program that replicates itself and adds its
own code when executed.
 When the replication process is complete, this code infects the other files and programs on your
system.
 These computer viruses exist in a variety of types, and each of them can infect a device in a
unique way.
 Computer Virus (Continued…)

 you may receive an email with a harmful attachment, inadvertently open the file, and the computer
virus then infects your machine.
 A virus attaches itself to another software, once infected the system, in such a way that the host
program’s execution activates the virus’s actions simultaneously.
 It has the ability to self-replicate itself into other programs or files and infecting them. Computer
viruses are harmful but the majority of them engage in malicious activity, such as data destruction.
What Does a Computer Virus Do?

 A virus can harm or destroy data, slow down system resources, and log keystrokes, among other
things.
 A virus can have unexpected or harmful outcomes during this procedure, such as destroying
system software by corrupting data.
 Some computer viruses are designed to damage your computer by destroying files, corrupting
applications, or reformatting the hard drive.
 Even less dangerous computer infections can have a substantial impact on your system’s
performance, eating up RAM and triggering frequent crashes.
 Other viruses may just clone themselves or flood a network with traffic, rendering all internet
activity difficult.
How a Computer gets A Virus?

Through the following activities you may get your device infected by the virus :

 Sharing the data like music, files, and images with each other.
 If you open a spam email or an attachment in an email that is sent by an unknown person.
 Downloading the free games, toolbars, media players, etc.
 Visiting a malicious website.
 Installing pirated software(s) etc.
Common Signs of Computer Viruses

 Opening of Pop-up window frequently. Pop-ups may entice you to visit odd locations. They will take you to
a page to download any antivirus (which is not an antivirus), or other harmful software.
 Slowing down of system without any reason.
 Updated homepage. For example, the homepage is replaced by a website, and you would not be able to undo
that replacement.
 Identifying that your files are corrupted.
 Change in the name of your hard drive & also change in its volume.
 Change in amount of free memory available.
 Not able to find your files or programs.
 Unknown change in the password that does not let you login.
 A virus may damage hard drive, and device may freeze or crash.
Examples of Computer Virus

 Morris Worm
 Nimda
 SQL Slammer
 CryptoLocker
 Conficker
 Tinba
 What is Malware?

 Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals
(often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems.
 Examples of common malware include viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and
ransomware.
Virus vs. Malware – What is the difference?

Aspect Virus Malware

Definition A type of malicious software A broader category of harmful software

Behaviour Self-replicating Can include viruses, worms, trojans, etc.

Can spread through various methods,

Spread Often requires user interaction including email, downloads,
and vulnerabilities

Can cause a range of harm, including data

Damage Can corrupt or delete files
theft, system damage, and spying

Requires comprehensive security measures

Detection Can be detected by antivirus software
and practices

Examples Morris Worm WannaCry ransomware, Zeus trojan

 Types of Computer Virus

 Boot sector virus: This virus infects the boot sector of the computer and runs every time the computer
boots and before the operating system loads. Floppy disks and other bootable media become infected.
They are sometimes referred to as memory viruses because they do not infect the file system.
Examples − Elk Clones, Brain, Stoned, and Parity boot virus.
 File Virus: A file virus, also known as a file infector, is a type of malware that infects files and
programs on a computer or network. File viruses can cause damage, data corruption, and other
unwanted effects. They can also steal sensitive information or grant unauthorized access to a computer.
 Email-Virus: An email virus consists of malicious code distributed in email messages to infect one or
more devices. This malicious code can be activated in numerous ways: when the email recipient clicks
on an infected link within the message, opens an infected attachment or interacts with the message in
some other way.
 Types of Computer Virus (Continued…)

 Polymorphic Virus: Poly means many and morphic means forms. Therefore, as the name suggests
polymorphic virus is a complicated computer virus that changes its form as it propagates to avoid
detection by antivirus. It is a self-encrypting virus that pairs a mutation engine along with a self-
propagating program code.
 Macro Virus: It is a type of virus coded in the macro language. The Macro language is mainly used
for designing software applications. It affects only the software applications irrespective of the
operating system used. As both software and the virus use the same language, they enter the
application and affect them. Examples − Melissa Virus and Nuclear virus.
 Multipartite Virus: This virus has the power to infect a computer’s boot sector, memory, and files,
among other areas. This complicates its detection and containment.
 Types of Computer Virus (Continued…)

 Encrypted Virus: To avoid detection by antivirus software, this type of virus is encrypted. There’s
also a decryption algorithm included. As a result, before running, the virus decrypts.
 Stealth Virus: Stealth virus is computer viruses that are hidden inside a file in the operating system.
It steals the data, changes the encryption of data, and undergoes a self-modification of the code. It is
unnoticeable by the users and usually hide in the boot part of the system. So, it needs an updated
strong antivirus and scanner software to protect the system from the stealth virus. Example − Brain
 Resident Virus: The Resident virus is a type of malware that targets the memory file of the
computer system. It is considered the worst one as they get attached to the files of antivirus software
and corrupt them too. Examples − Meve, CMJ and Randex.
 Types of Computer Virus (Continued…)

 Direct action Virus: If a virus is tied to an executable file and when the file is opened or run, that
virus gets installed/spread, it is known as “direct action”. This virus does not delete any files or lay
impact on the speed of the system; it just renders your files inaccessible.
 Browser Hijacker Virus: This virus attacks and can adjust the computer browser’s settings. it can
also force your browser to malicious sites.
 Tunnelling Virus : The Tunnelling virus finds that the antivirus is detecting it as malicious software.
So, it enters the antivirus program, intercepts its function, and thus avoids running the antivirus
software. Example − Frodo.
 Source code Virus : The source code of the infected computer gets changed or affected. This type of
virus is rare, and it is very difficult to remove them when a computer is affected by it. The causes of
source code virus is hijacking the machine and corrupts it.
Antivirus

 Antivirus software is a program that searches for, detects, prevents, and removes software
infections that can harm your computer.
 Antivirus can also detect and remove other dangerous software such as worms, adware, and other
dangers.
 This software is intended to be used as a preventative measure against cyber dangers, keeping
them from entering your computer and causing problems.
 Antivirus is available for free as well. Anti-virus software that is available for free only provides
limited virus protection, whereas premium anti-virus software offers more effective security.
Example: Avast, Kaspersky, etc.