Types of computer viruses – how to defend yourself

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Your computer is suddenly running very slow? You can't start your system? The home page in your browser has changed, and you can't do anything about it? These are the common symptoms of viruses infecting your computer. What exactly are computer viruses? These are all kinds of malware or code fragments that want to infect your computer. Their further action depends on the type of virus. The Internet never sleeps — new types of viruses keep appearing on the web on a daily basis. Know your enemies and learn how to protect yourself.

My computer is infected by a virus! How did this happen?

Computer viruses may infect your rig in different ways, but first and foremost, they need to get onto it. This is analogous to viruses in real life — they are inactive until they find a host. Often, you do not even know that malware is already on your computer. It is a common belief that you need to surf in “inappropriate” areas of the Internet to catch a computer virus. It's a myth. Most often, a computer virus infects through:

  • Links in emails or instant messaging
  • Executable files in popular programs or documents

Be extremely vigilant — do not open suspicious links! Always check the address from which you received the message. Everyone thinks that a hacker attack is something that happens to someone else. This is absolutely not true — when you find out about it, it will be too late.

My computer is infected by a virus – what’s the risk?

How a virus affects your computer depends on the type of malware. Some slow down the system performance, others allow cybercriminals to remotely access your machine. Some types of malware copy themselves and send spam and their replicas from your e-mail. The worst possible scenario is an infection by the Ransomware virus. It encrypts all files on your computer. Then it displays a ransom-demand message. In theory, if you don't pay, you have no access to the data on your device. Theoretically — because we know how to act by the law and help you. File decryption after Ransomware virus attack is our specialty. Restoring encrypted data is our main business activity.

Types of computer viruses – what is the actual threat?

Malware (malicious software) can take many forms. Any computer virus is a risk of data loss or handing over the computer control to hackers. In some cases, you may be able to remove the virus yourself. In others — for example, after a Ransomware virus attack, when encrypted data is a fact — you will need expert help.

The most common computer viruses are:

  • Trojan (Trojan horse) — usually hidden in other programs. After installing the infected program, the Trojan downloads other software. It weakens or completely eliminates your anti-virus programs, firewalls, and other protection software. Also, as the name suggests, Trojan is basically a “back door” to your equipment. This means that hackers can access your computer and take complete control of it.
  • Worm — as it happens with worms, they are a real plague. The main task of the worm is to copy itself and infect all connected devices. They are dangerous especially for companies where all computers are connected by an internal network.
  • Spyware — well, it tracks your every step. An additional threat may be the so-called “Keylogger” that saves all typed characters from the keyboard. If you enter the bank password manually on your computer, and you have a keylogger — you can have your bank account wiped in a few moments.
  • Botnet — this malicious software is designed to create a network of “zombie” devices from which hackers can, for example, carry out mass attacks on servers or networks. More to that, this type of computer virus also attacks other devices, not only computers. Who would have thought that a smartwatch, washing machine or refrigerator could become a “zombie”? Well, that's real.

Ransomware — the most dangerous enemy on the web. Responsible for encrypting files on the entire machine (or database or even cloud). File decryption is a very difficult procedure — comparable to a neurosurgical operation — it requires a lot of knowledge, experience and the right tools. While you can deal with most viruses on your own, Ransomware leaves you with no chances. We do not recommend paying the ransom — there is no guarantee that the hackers will send you the key to the algorithm. Fortunately — you have a legal way out. Contact us, we are almost 100% successful at decrypting files after Ransomware virus attack.

Computer viruses – how to defend yourself?

Computer viruses are a threat of the 21st century — very real. What to do to avoid becoming a victim to hackers? First and foremost, be extremely careful. Follow these steps to stay safe:

  • Do NOT open files or links from sources that you are not 100% sure are “clean”;
  • Do NOT connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks;
  • Do NOT use public networks that do not have encryption;
  • Do NOT use one password for all accounts/applications;
  • Use a password manager — we know that it is difficult to remember a dozen or so different passwords;
  • Do not share your equipment (computer, telephone, etc.) with strangers, even for a moment (“I will only check PDF/Excel” — well, how about: NO);
  • Install a good antivirus and another specialized program;
  • Use a VPN whenever possible.

Be careful. In case your hardware gets infected with Ransomware virus — don't pay the ransom! Contact us — we perform file decryption every day. We will make the diagnosis for free. Remember — the Internet never sleeps. That's why we — the Data Magnet — are always on duty, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


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