Types of computer viruses What are they and how can we protect ourselves from them? 2020 List

When we get the best information about types of computer viruses existing systems, which no one should doubt are still a latent threat to our computers, we will be able to best protect each of the devices we use.

Businesses and companies of different levels can attest to this, which sometimes have a department dedicated to the threat to be attacked by a malware . But this is not the case for the majority of users, who can also fall victim to an attack that would result in loss of data, and sometimes even total damage to their computers.

In this sense, in our desire to be proactive and to disseminate as much information as possible on the subject, we have decided to make this content available to you, with the assurance that it will give you enlightenment for the full understanding of something so delicate .

What is a computer virus and what are the risks of having one on our computer?

We are talking about developed software in order to negatively affect the normal functioning of the operating system of any computing device. Sometimes, it can come in the form of a piece of code hosted in a file, designed with the same malicious intent as an entire program of the same malware.

As you well know, there are different types and classes of malware, but when we talk about computer viruses we have to clarify that the term is closely related to its ability to replicate , thus gaining the ability to spread from one computer to another like any other. virus in humans.

Any of these malicious programs can reach your device in different ways , such as emails, audio or video files, photographs and any other attachments that we share on social networks, insert infected USB drives. It can remain in latency until a circumstance causes the activation of the program, infecting anything connected to the same computer network .

Although sometimes computer viruses do more than just cause certain annoyances, which make them somewhat harmless, other times they do have catastrophic effects and devastating on the computers of the victims. Among these latter risks, we can cite the following:

• Theft of passwords and other data
• Redirect it spam to your email contacts
• Cause strikes
• Significantly decreases computer performance
• Partially or totally damage one or more files
• Take control of your team

These are all things that can happen to your device once you install an infected program on it, which often happens without your knowing it. Once this happens, the malware is hosted in the RAM, even if you haven't fully downloaded it .

List of the main viruses known to modern computing

Below is a list of the main computer viruses, which have become real challenges for security experts in the field lately:

Trojan

It is one of the most feared computer viruses, due to its ability to camouflage itself and try to get into users' systems. Often it comes across as legitimate software . Once installed and activated on your system, it allows cybercriminals to carry out malicious actions against all types of data, including steal, delete or modify them .

To

This is the classic way of referring to computer viruses, and its description corresponds to the one we gave you in the previous chapter. However, we will take this opportunity to indicate that they are also capable of exploit errors to their advantage configuration of the computer network.

Likewise, they have the ability to use various methods to spread, such as knowing how take advantage of security vulnerabilities operating system and some applications.

Joke

Although it is not actually a computer virus in the malicious sense of the word, this type of program is capable of cause some discomfort users by playing seemingly harmless tricks on them. But harmless or not, we can never be sure what the reaction of someone who sees that their computer suddenly goes dark. to tremble for no apparent reason , or to move the cursor by itself every few seconds.

Time bomb

Also known as Logic Bomb, it is a virus which has been programmed by its developer to activate at a certain time . Although it is not able to spread on its own, there is some evidence of its harmfulness when it causes the partial or total loss device security systems, as well as a significant decrease in their performance.

recycler

This malware is more common today than many of us would like, all made worse by its great ability to go unnoticed when received on computers. One of its most unwanted effects is the fact that it infects us even more every time we try to enter a file.

Given the high frequency with which we use accessories that depend on a usb connection , either it's about USB flash drives , portable hard drives, smartphones or camera cards, we run the risk of infecting our devices with this dangerous computer virus.

List of computer viruses according to their main characteristics

In the same way, or in other words, with the same speed with which more and more innovations appear in the field of computing, so cybercrime manages to create increasingly sophisticated malicious developments . So that you know some of them, we have prepared a list for you in which we describe the main characteristics and malicious capabilities of each:

residents

These are the ones that can be hidden in the RAM of a computer and which can be reinstalled each once you turn on or restart your computer . This is how they have become a big threat to programs and files as they always find a way to affect parts or the whole operating system in one way or another .

Polymorphic

This is a variety of malware designed to avoid detection by un software antivirus . To achieve this, the hackers took care to create a program capable of copying itself automatically with different encryption methods. With this technique based on a chain system, they make detection difficult reducing the efficiency of tools against malware of this particular type.

Zombies

These are malicious programs that allow hackers to control your terminal remotely . They do this with the intention of creating a swarm of computers in a "zombie state", which they use to flood de spam any site targeted by cyber attacks . Your device will be affected in different ways, for example when the fan starts at full speed even when the computer is not on, emails in the outbox that you did not send and decreased performance of the equipment , among others. .

Keylogger

Hackers use this type of virus called Keylogger with the intention of recording each of the keystrokes infected devices. In this way, they can get sensitive information about users, especially passwords and bank account data.

Because they are designed to remain hidden, millions of users who have been infected with this virus hardly notice it. But if you see that the things are not reflected on your screen while you typed , or delays in cursor keystrokes, it is very likely that your computer has been the victim of this type of virus.

FAT

This is malicious software that acts directly on the section of the hard drive intended to store information about the location of files. There have been cases of loss of complete directories containing important information for the user. And incidentally, it can affect key aspects for the normal functioning of the equipment, which can sometimes be completely inoperative.

Hijacker

Maliciously designed to hijack domains, the Hijacker virus (learn more about other types of viruses here ) works by redirecting DNS servers. What they want with this is that whenever you want to access a particular domain, the DNS refers you to an IP address that is not the one you are looking for, and therefore a different page will be loaded .

In this way, hackers lead you to browse pages full of unwanted advertising that they control and in which you will be an easy target for infection with other types of malware .

Crypt

It is a family of computer viruses capable of encryption and decryption. They do this in order to avoid detection by an antivirus. It has been found that when such a virus is about to act, it is automatically decrypted using the password it used to encrypt itself, which is always the same .

The latter made it possible to progress in its elimination, and the recuperation consistent Datas and files by affected users.

From a link or directory

This malware owes its name to its ability to change address where is a certain file. This means that its first harmful action within the system is to cause the virus to send you back to the one hosting the malware instead of reaching the file you select.

Once this happens, it is impossible to work with the original file again. But the damage is not limited to just damaging the first file, because after doing so, it will be linked to the rest of the address books that are on the hard drive, so that the extent of the damage will be total .

Start-up or start-up

In this case, we are talking about a program designed to damage the boot sector of the hard drive. This virus works by replacing the original computer startup code . To do this, the virus writes its code instead of the device's MBR code, thereby taking control of the device's boot system. Damage caused by a malicious bootkit are often confused with physical problems with the starting system.

Direct action

They are so called because they cannot hibernate in the system before activating. This means that they only come into action when they enter equipment who does not have the appropriate protection. Of course, once activated, they search for files located in the same directory where they fell to attack them.

Crushing

These specialize in erasure of the information contained in infected files. This makes them especially scary. Although sometimes the damage is only partial, when you try to recover the equipment from the damage done, you get the opposite effect. This forces the file to be completely deleted , with all that that implies.

Table of all types of computer viruses and scams
Ransomware	Trojan	Direct access
Rear doors	Keylogger	spyware
To	Malware	exploits
Adware	Sniffers	Cracks
Nukers	Diversion	Floods
Numberers	Carding	Simjacker

What are the main methods of protection against all computer viruses?

What you have read so far may cause you some concern. But, for your peace of mind, it must be said that there are several methods to properly protect your computers against all computer viruses known until today. These are methods we all have at our fingertips to protect devices with which we regularly connect to the Internet, whether they are computers, laptops, smartphones or tablets.

We present them here:

Antivirus

These are computer applications developed to detect the first threats of viruses and other malicious software circulating on the network. Knowing this, you should already have an idea of ​​their importance in maintaining security and avoid damaging the software and hardware of all your computing devices .

Of course, the task of a good antivirus does not end there, since it is also responsible for making periodic evaluations of computers for eliminate infections caused by viruses.

File filter

It is a tool designed to filter files when your device is connected to a network. Once implemented, they require no user intervention to stay active. One of the most common ways to use the tool is to configure for that it works by providing selective filtering in specific areas, such as in the case of emails.

Software update

This is a commonly used method for rid already infected computers of malware . But this time, we refer to it in the sense of updating your equipment with the latest software released by the tech giants. Indeed, with each update, the software editors take care to equip each version of bigger and better malware prevention systems .

Table of the best antiviruses by platform or device
Antivirus for Android	Antivirus for iPhone	Antivirus applications
Antivirus for Windows 10	Antivirus for Windows 8	Antivirus for Windows 7
Antivirus for Mac	Antivirus for Linux	Laptop Antivirus
Portable antivirus	Antivirus for USB

5 tips to protect our devices from malware and malicious files

Now that you know some of the methods by which we can protect computers from computer viruses, you just need to know what you can do yourself to collaborate in the fight against these enemies of your devices, which surely contain valuable data for you. .

In this sense, we have allowed ourselves to present you some tips that we hope you will fully integrate, because the ignorance is usually the entry point for viruses to your system:

Get an antivirus in Pro version

While a free antivirus can sometimes be enough to protect you, when you use the paid versions of these programs, you will be helping your computers with a tool that displays best protection options .

This means that in addition to receiving automatic updates, the software will work on its own with real-time scanning, which allows you to eliminate the threat before the damage occurs .

Be careful with the pages you visit

This is especially recommended when you receive attachments in your email inviting you to visit pages that are completely new to you. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular methods used by hackers to make Phishing .

It is also advisable to take into account all the risks to your computer when you visit adult pages. Indeed, many of them are free to access, which requires the generation of many banners, where criminals tend to hide a lot of malicious material .

Be very careful when using a USB stick

No doubt the USB key is the most used means by hackers to deploy a direct access virus, which forces us to be very aware of this information when we are forced to use it. Therefore, it is better to make a preliminary analysis of this accessory with the antivirus before authorizing the download.

Avoid public WiFi networks

As you know, using this type of Internet connection allows us to save our browsing data. However, you should keep in mind that in many cases these are fake networks set up by some cybercriminals, to stealing information from unwary people when they log into their mobile phones or laptops .

To avoid this, it is convenient to ask those responsible for hotels or restaurants where you should use them, whether the WiFI network is yours.

Keep backup copies of all your data

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