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Reviewer - Lesson 2- Computer Virus

A computer virus is a malicious program that can replicate and spread to other computers, causing harm such as data corruption, theft, and system damage. It can spread through email attachments, malicious websites, external devices, and pirated software. Protecting against viruses involves using antivirus software, keeping systems updated, being cautious with email, using firewalls, backing up data, and avoiding pirated software.

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GM Estrada
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2 views

Reviewer - Lesson 2- Computer Virus

A computer virus is a malicious program that can replicate and spread to other computers, causing harm such as data corruption, theft, and system damage. It can spread through email attachments, malicious websites, external devices, and pirated software. Protecting against viruses involves using antivirus software, keeping systems updated, being cautious with email, using firewalls, backing up data, and avoiding pirated software.

Uploaded by

GM Estrada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPUTER 4

Fourth Quarter
LESSON 2: COMPUTER VIRUS
COMPUTER VIRUS - A computer virus is as harmful to a computer as a biological virus is
to a human being. It can destroy your files or, worse, your entire computer system.A
computer virus can be highly infectious. A computer infected with a virus can easily spread
the virus once it is connected to the internet.
How do Computer Viruses Attack?
1.​ Email attachments
-​ Malicious attachments from untrusted sources are a common way viruses
spread.
2.​ Malicious Websites
-​ Some websites automatically download viruses without your knowledge
3.​ External Devices
-​ USB drives, external hard drives, or SD cards may contain viruses when
connected to a computer.
4.​ Pirated Software
-​ Downloading software from illegal or unverified sources can introduce viruses.
How Do Computer Viruses Spread?
1.​ File-based Infection - A virus attaches itself to executable files (.exe) or programs
and spreads when the program is run.
2.​ Email Propagation - The virus attaches itself to emails and spreads to other contacts
when the email is opened and forwarded.
3.​ Network Infection - A virus may spread across a local network if computers are
connected and not properly protected.
4.​ Macro Viruses - These viruses infect documents like Word or Excel files that use
macros (automated scripts). When a document is opened, the macro virus can run
and spread.
Types of Computer Virus
1.​ File Infector Virus - Infects executable files.
2.​ Macro Virus - Affects files that contain macros.
3.​ Boot Sector Virus - Targets the boot sector of the computer hard drive or external
media. It infects the computer when it starts up, making the system unbootable.
Impact of Computer Viruses
1.​ Data Loss or Corruption - Viruses can corrupt important files, including documents,
images, and software programs.
2.​ Performance Degradation - Viruses may cause the system to slow down or freeze
frequently, making it unusable.
3.​ Financial Impact - Repairing virus damage or data loss can be expensive. Financial
data theft can lead to identity theft or fraud.
4.​ System Failure - Some viruses can disable critical parts of the operating system,
causing crashes or preventing the computer from starting.
​
Real-Life Examples of Famous Viruses
1.​ ILOVEYOU (2000) - Spread via email and caused over $10 billion in damage. It was
disguised as a love letter and spread quickly across the globe.​
Onel de Guzman, a 24 year old computer student living in the Philippines. He
created the Malware.​
There were no laws in the Philippines against making malware at the time of its
creation, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 8792 known as the
“E-Commerce Law”, in July 2000 to discourage future iterations of such activity.
2.​ WannaCry (2017) - A ransomware virus that exploited a Windows vulnerability,
affecting hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. It locked users out of their
data until a ransom was paid.
3.​ MyDoom (2004) - A virus that caused widespread disruptions, including slowing
down email systems globally, and was one of the fastest-spreading viruses in history.
COMPUTER 4
Fourth Quarter
How to guard your computer against viruses?
1.​ Install and Update Antivirus Software​
- Antivirus programs like Avast, Norton, or Bitdefender can detect and remove viruses​
- Regular updates ensure the software is prepared for new virus types.
2.​ Keep Software Updated ​
- Update your operating system and applications regularly.​
- Security patches fix known vulnerabilities that viruses might exploit.
3.​ Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links​
- Do not open email attachments from unknown sources or click on suspicious links.
4.​ Use Firewalls​
- A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and external threats, blocking
unauthorized access to your system.
5.​ Backup Your Data Regularly​
- Use external hard drives or cloud storage to back up important files.
6.​ Avoid Pirated Software​
- Download software only from trusted sources, such as official websites or
authorized platforms.
Why is it important to guard against viruses?
Protects Personal and Financial Information​
- Viruses can steal sensitive information such as banking details, passwords, or credit card
numbers.
Prevents Downtime​
- A virus infection can result in system crashes, causing you to lose access to your work or
personal files.
Improves System Efficiency​
- Regular maintenance (antivirus software, updates) helps keep the system running
smoothly and securely.
Reduces Repair Costs​
- Preventing viruses reduces the need for expensive repairs and recovery of lost data.
SUMMARY
A computer virus is a type of malicious software program designed to replicate itself and
spread to other computers, often without the user's knowledge or consent. Once a virus
infects a computer, it can cause a wide range of harmful effects, such as corrupting or
deleting files, stealing sensitive data, or damaging the system’s functionality.

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