Virus

Virus

Introduction to virus:

Working of Viruses: Infection Phase

          The virus loads into the memory once the user runs the program or file that i8s infected. It then search and scans for other programs to infect, what it then does is modifies the program to add its code. It replacements itself and affect other systems on the network as well.

Working of Viruses: Attack Phase

The attack phase may be triggered by a random event such as opening a media file. It could be a date, time or opening a program that could trigger it. From printing messages to deleting an entire hard drive, a virtual can do just about any time.

Virtual have verified number of purpose. From stealing date, to accessing secret files, to bringing web servers downs in protest. Viruses are created primarily to cause chaos and mayhem in the digital world. Sometime, Hackers create viruses just for the sheer fun of doing it.

Computer Infections by virus:

Computer virus symptoms are a moving target. Just like the human viral conditions, they evolve through generations – which in computer technology term may mean weeks or even days. Some symptoms may not necessarily mean an infection – for example, if you are sneezing, you do not necessarily have flu, it may be just an allergy – which means different cause, and different treatment methods. Similarly with computers, if your system seems to be slower than usual, it may be a symptom of a virus, but it may also be a symptom of “program overload” – when you have too many programs running at once and it crashes your computer system’s performance.

With that in mind, let’s go over some of the most common symptoms that can alert you to the potential virus within your computer system, or even your computer network presented in no particular order.

- Hardware Troubles:

If hardware- computer, printer, etc. Start acting up on its own without any action using keyboard or mouse, it is likely that a virus is in your computer system. When you work on the computer, especially if you are performing some actions by using programs, your hard drive is expected to be making some noises. If you are not doing anything, and your computer seems to be putting in extra effort and looks like is communicating with 8^th dimensions completely by itself, consider an emergency antivirus scan.

- No Response:

We’ve all been there: working away and then nothing happens! Lockup alone may not necessarily mean you have a virus. It could also be a symptom of a desperate need for a cleanup but if it presents itself in array of other symptoms, be on a lookout for a virus.

- Slow Performance:

 If you notice that certain action take much longer than usual. You must account for specifics of certain files and programs when making a judgment of the slow performance: one PDF document may t5ake much longer time to open simply because it is of a much larger size, and it will not be indicative of the computer virus. However, keep in mind that some viruses can reproduce and multiply your files and overcrowd disk usage. In another example, when you are browsing your documents folders and you notice that it takes- unusually longer to browse from one folder to another, or if it takes more time to open the same program, you should be on a lookout other computer virus symptoms.

- Slow Startup:

          Another important symptoms on the virus is slow startup, Do not confuse it with wishful thinking. As a collective, we are impatient beings. Did you ever catch yourself pushing an elevator button, Mumbling to yourself,” Ti must be they slowest elevator ever”? My point exactly! When considering the startup process – think of the typical to the actual startup time. Does to be much slower than usual? Does it seem to just sit there, and not even a blink or a squeak happens? If it takes way too long, then it may be a symptoms of a viral infection in your computer.

          - Crashing:

When your computer crashes spontaneously, be careful. After computer restarts, you may notice it does not seem to run normally. It if se3lf-restart frequently, every few minutes- beware of a virus. This symptom alone may indicate that your system is infected. If your computer crashed, best course of action-Do Not resuscitate and call your IT support company.

- Extra Files:

You may visually notice extra pop ups and extra programs that seem to be running on your computer, especially on statrtuo. You may notice that your disk space suddenly quadrupled in size without you making 200 copies of your vaction photos folder on your C: drive.

-Printer Issues :

If you can not get your documents to print correctly, or cannot print at all, you may be dealing with a virus. Frist, rule out your printer not being turned on.Next, ensure it is connected to your network and is not offline. If it turned on and it is online and you still have problem with printer, your computer system may have a virus and may affect not just your drive, but you network, as well.

- Unusual Error Messages:

          This may be include gibberish messages, messages you hadn’t seen before, undesired ad messages and such. Special attention must be paid to messages that disguise themselves as anti-virus warning messages. They are designed to trick you into thinking that you are at risk, and must take action to protect your computer system. Sometimes that is how the virus introduces itself into the system, and sometimes it may already be in your system, and that is how it takes over it, making your more and more vulnerable, and doing further damage to your computer. Again, when you are in doubt to call.

- Signs of Virus attack:

          There is few signs that could indicate the system in infection:

·       Your computer is running unusually slow.

·       Your computer keeps displaying pop-up massages.

·       Your computer sends you website that you didn’t search for.

·       Your computer can’t connect to the internet.

·       Your files are gone.

·        Your computer start behaving strange.

·       Your computer has new program that you haven’t install.

Prevention Methods:

-        Anti-spyware Program:-

They scan all incoming network data for spyware and block any threat detected. Anti-Spyware software programs can be used for detection and removal of spyware that has already been installed into the computer. Many anti-spyware programs require to be frequently updated. Hence, if there is any new programs that has been released the anti-spyware will detect and remove it.

-        Anti-virus Program:-

     The purpose of the program is to detect and eliminate any threat from the system. Antivirus programs also give real time protection, while the system is in use, if an email carrying a virus or a file with a virus is put in the system the program detects and quarantines it for further instruction.

-        Defense against Worms :-

The most important defense against worms is the identification & authentication controls, these are usually integrated into the system.   

In next Blog we learn about SQL Injection....