A computer virus is one of the most common types of cyberattacks ravaging the globe. Cyber attacks are activities carried out by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your IT infrastructure.

The good news is an IT support company can help you mitigate the risks of such attacks.

In this piece, we are going to explain the different computer viruses. Maybe not all, but at least the common ones you should be wary of would be highlighted.

Multipartite virus

This virus causes more damage than any other known virus type. This is because it affects both the program files and the boot sector of the computer. And because it can affect multiple parts of the computer at different times, it is very tricky to eliminate its presence.

Polymorphic Virus

Just like the name implies, this type of malware can morph into various versions of complex file infectors. Its ability to modify itself and still constitute the same type of damage on the computer is why it is very difficult to delete on the computer.

Browser Hijacker

Everyone who uses the internet must have experienced this type of virus at least once. They are the ones that subtly change the settings of a browser without the permission of the user. 

Some of the various harms caused by this malware are directing you to a harmful website, and subtly advertising for the creator of the malware among others.

Macro Virus

Documents created on Microsoft Word or Excel are where malicious pieces of code like this are embedded. So, when documents like these are transferred from one device to another, the virus naturally spreads leading to damage.

Resident Virus

These are the viruses that store in the memory of the PC and from there they clone themselves to other parts of the computer. The originally affected program does not have to run before this malware infects other files in the computer.

Findings reveal these pieces of malware can even attach themselves to the anti-virus software on your PC. Imagine the irony!

Web Scripting Virus

This is another potential virus that can affect your computer, especially if you surf the web a lot. They are sneaky malware that usually targets popular websites. It works by overwriting the web code on the website with malicious data that can infect your computer.

Direct Action

These viruses affect the file to which they are attached. The files in the format (.exe) are more prone to these attacks. They would not deliver a payload unless the file is launched. They are also easy to detect.

Boot Sector Virus

The effect of this virus is dire. This is because the malicious code launches before the anti-virus software on your PC begins to run. This virus affects the master boot record of the hard disk. And it spreads via file transfers using USB or as email attachments. This can be prevented by using managed file transfer (mft).

Overwrite Virus

As the name implies, this malware overwrites the system’s original program code with malicious code.