What are some cures for common computer viruses

A computer virus is a type of malware malicious software designed to make self-replicate, i. Computer viruses are so-called because, like real viruses, they can self-replicate.

Once your computer is infected with a virus, this is how it spreads. When a computer virus infects your computer, it may slow it down and stops it working properly. There are three main ways that your computer may have become infected with a computer virus.

The first way your computer could become infected from removable media, like a USB stick. If you insert a USB stick or disk into your computer from an unknown source, it may contain a virus. Another way your computer become infected with a virus is through a download from the internet.

If you are downloading software or apps to your computer, ensure you do so from a trusted source. Avoid downloading anything via a pop-up or a website you do not know. The third way your computer could become infected with a virus is if you open an attachment, or click on a link, in a spam email.

Whenever you receive mail from a sender you do not know or trust, avoid opening it. If you do open it, do not open any attachments or click on any links. There are numerous signs to look out for that indicate your computer may have a virus. Firstly, is your computer slowing down? If everything is taking longer than usual, your computer may have become infected. Secondly, look out for apps or programs that you do not recognize.

If you see an app or a program appear on your computer that you do not remember downloading, exercise caution. It is a good idea to uninstall any software you do not recognize and then to run a virus scan using anti-virus or internet security software to check for threats. Pop-ups that appear when your browser is closed are a tell tail sign of a virus. If you see these, take immediate action to remove the virus, by following the steps outlined above. Another sign that your computer may have a virus is if apps or programs on your computer start behaving strangely.

If they start crashing for no apparent reason, your computer may have a virus. Finally, a virus may cause your computer to start overheating. If this happens, investigate whether you have a virus using anti-virus or internet security software.

By clicking the "I Agree" button, you grant consent. Because you have acknowledged and consented to the terms of service, these programs can't be termed malware.

Spyware does just what it says. It spies on what you're doing at your computer. It collects data such as keystrokes, browsing habits, location data and even login information.

While adware might include "repurposing" collected data for sale in the terms of service statement, spyware is more duplicitous. Spyware is considered malware because users are unaware of it.

The only intent of spyware is malicious. Spyware collects and sells your data to third parties, typically cyber criminals, with no regard for how the data will be used. Spyware may also modify specific security settings on your computer or interfere with network connections. In another example of how the line between adware and spyware can blur, the rise of mobile computing has seen an explosion of spyware that tracks user behavior across devices and physical locations without their consent.

For example, a free weather app on your smartphone may have gotten your consent to collect and use your location data, ostensibly to provide more accurate forecasts. But what happens when that includes selling your location to data to anyone who can afford it, regardless of whether that an online store trying to populate banner ads in your browser or a cyber criminal who cross-references mobile phone user data with other data sources?

Ransomware infects your computer, encrypts your PII and other sensitive data such as personal or work documents and then demands a ransom for their release. If you refuse to pay, the data is deleted. Some ransomware variants lock out all access to your computer. Sometimes, they might claim to be the work of legitimate law enforcement agencies and suggest that you've been caught doing something illegal. Bots are programs designed to automatically carry out specific operations.

Although they serve many legitimate purposes, they are also a popular type of malware. Once on a computer, bots can cause the machine to execute specific commands without the user's approval or knowledge. Hackers may also try to infect multiple computers with the same bot to create a " botnet "—short for robot network. These zombie botnets give hackers the ability to remotely manage compromised computers, enabling them to steal sensitive data, to spy on user activities, to distribute spam automatically or to launch devastating Distributed-Denial-of-Service DDoS attacks on computer networks and websites.

Rootkits allow remote access or control of a computer by a third party. These programs are useful for IT professionals trying to troubleshoot network issues remotely, but they can easily become nefarious. Once installed on your computer, rootkits allow attackers to take complete control of your machine to steal data or install additional malware.

Rootkits are designed to go unnoticed and actively hide their presence and that of other malware that they install. Effective detection of rootkits requires real-time monitoring—not just periodic disk drive scans—for unusual behavior system behavior. Commonly called " Trojans ," these programs hide in plain sight by masquerading as legitimate files or software. Once downloaded and installed, Trojans make changes to a computer and carry out malicious activities, without the knowledge or consent of the victim.

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A little common sense is an invaluable asset when it comes to heading off viruses and malware. Milton Kazmeyer has worked in the insurance, financial and manufacturing fields and also served as a federal contractor. He began his writing career in and now works full-time as a writer and transcriptionist.

His primary fields of expertise include computers, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment. Home Software. Antivirus Programs The most important thing you can do to stay safe from computer viruses is to use a regularly updated antivirus program.