A virus is a type of malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, that is designed to replicate
itself and spread from one computer to another. It is often created with the intent to cause damage,
steal information, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
Computer viruses can infect a computer through various means, such as downloading infected files or
programs from the internet, opening malicious email attachments, or visiting compromised websites.
Once a virus infects a computer, it can perform a wide range of actions, depending on its design and
purpose.
Some common activities performed by viruses include:
1. Replication: Viruses are programmed to create copies of themselves and spread to other files or
systems. This allows them to infect multiple computers or devices.
2. Damage or destruction: Some viruses are designed to corrupt or delete files, leading to data loss
or system instability. They can also damage the operating system, rendering the computer
inoperable.
3. Unauthorized access: Certain viruses aim to exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system,
allowing remote attackers to gain unauthorized access. This can lead to unauthorized data
access, control of the computer, or the creation of backdoors for further exploitation.
4. Information theft: Viruses can be designed to steal sensitive information, such as passwords,
credit card numbers, or personal data. This information can be used for identity theft or other
malicious purposes.
To protect against viruses, it is crucial to use reliable antivirus software, keep operating systems and
applications up to date with the latest security patches, avoid downloading files from untrusted
sources, and exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links.
Regularly backing up important data is also advisable to mitigate potential damage from a virus
infection.
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