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Viruses - (BCA / B.Tech)

Viruses:

A virus is a type of malware that infects computers, mobile devices, and other digital systems. These are self-replicating programs that spread by attaching themselves to other programs, files, or boot sectors. Viruses can affect the performance of a computer system, damage data, and create serious security threats. A virus is a serious problem that can be harmful to computers and other digital devices. It is necessary to follow proper security measures to protect against viruses. Using antivirus software, firewalls, and software updates, along with user vigilance, can significantly reduce the risk of virus infection. Additionally, it is important to regularly back up data so that it can be restored in case of any data loss.

How a Virus Works:

The working of a virus is generally divided into the following steps:

Infection: A virus enters a system when a user runs an infected file or program. This can happen through e-mail attachments, downloaded files, or infected media (like a USB drive).
Reaction: Once a virus enters the system, it can hide its identity and slowly begin the process of spreading. Many viruses remain dormant until a specific condition or time arrives.
Damage: Viruses are generally designed to damage data, slow down the system, or introduce other viruses into the system. Some viruses can also work to steal a user's personal information or control the system.
Propagation: Viruses use various methods to spread from one infected system to another. This can be done through files sent via e-mail, network connections, or files shared on the internet.

Types of Viruses:

There are various types of viruses, some of which are as follows:

File Infector Virus: These viruses are self-replicating and attach themselves to a program or file. When the user runs that program, the virus becomes active.
Boot Sector Virus: These viruses are located in the computer's boot sector and become active when the system starts up. They are loaded in the initial stage of the computer, making them difficult to detect.
Macro Virus: These viruses are usually found in documents, such as Microsoft Word or Excel files. When the document is opened, the virus becomes active.
Worms: Worms are a type of virus that spreads through the network. It can send itself to other systems without any human intervention.
Trojan Horse: Trojan viruses appear as legitimate programs but have harmful code hidden inside. When the user installs it, it infects the system.

Effects of Viruses:

The infection of a virus can have several effects, such as:

Data Loss: Viruses can harm or erase important data.
Performance Degradation: Viruses can slow down the system's performance, which can cause problems for users.
Security Flaws: Viruses can steal a user's personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, etc.
Unauthorized Access: Some viruses can gain unauthorized access to a system and control it remotely.

Protection from Viruses:

The following measures can be taken for protection from viruses:

Antivirus Software: Using antivirus software is the most important security measure. It regularly scans for viruses and identifies infected files.
Use of Firewall: A firewall helps to enhance network security. It prevents unauthorized access and monitors network traffic.
Software Updates: Your operating system and software should be regularly updated. These updates help to patch security vulnerabilities.
Sensitivity: It is necessary to pay attention to unknown e-mail attachments and downloaded files. Only download files from trusted sources.
Data Backup: Data should be regularly backed up, so that if a virus harms the data, it can be restored.

Viruses

Viruses:

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