Computer Virus Alarms: 15 Warning Signals

This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge to identify, understand, and address various forms of malicious software. We will begin by exploring common indicators which may suggest that our computer system has been infected by a virus, including how a computer virus can change browser settings, slow down system performance, or cause sudden crashes. The course will delve into the destructive capabilities of viruses, examining what type of action a computer virus may take on the files stored in your computer and the unexpected activities a computer virus can do in respect of email or social media, such as sending unauthorized messages or posts.

We will then categorize and define some common types of computer viruses, challenging the notion that detecting and removing viruses is an easy job. Specific virus types will be thoroughly discussed, including direct action viruses and the files they target. We will clarify what is meant by boot sector and define what is a boot sector virus, assessing the difficulty of its removal. The course will also examine macro viruses, addressing whether macro viruses do not target the underlying computer system itself, and explain why it is difficult to remove polymorphic viruses. Further topics include what is meant by a multipartite virus, which type of files file infector viruses specifically target, where a resident virus saves itself, what the overwrite virus does, and what is meant by a spacefiller virus.

A crucial part of the course will differentiate viruses from other forms of malware, asserting that computer viruses are just one kind of harmful software that can cause problems. We will clarify whether ransomware is a virus and is a Trojan a virus, and compare the spread rate of viruses to Trojans. The main purpose of a Trojan horse will be explained, and we will address is a worm a virus and compare at which speed worms spread in comparison to viruses. Finally, we will define what is the function of spyware and what is meant by adware, and discuss the challenges of identifying malware by commenting on is it easy to tell what type of malware has hit your computer system. The course will conclude by summarizing what type of damages a computer virus can do, providing a holistic understanding of cyber threats and their potential impact on modern digital systems.