If you have read our previous articles, you will know quite a lot regarding Computer Viruses and other Malware. We have covered in-detail about the different malware, such as Trojans, viruses, rootkits and spyware. In light of all those, you can say that virus infection isn’t that easy for most people out there.
Things get worse if you have confidential info stored in a device and a virus infects the device. So, it takes a great deal of cleverness to protect your device from getting infected by viruses out there. To do that, we need to know how your computer gets infected viruses. And, depending on the possible causes, you can try effective methods to protect.
How Computer Gets Infected with Viruses
Here, we shall give you short overview on the ways your computer gets infected with viruses. We can also have a quicker glance over the consequences of virus infection. First, we shall check out the ways viruses use to infect your device.
Malicious Plugins and Toolbars
Do you install different toolbars and plugins so often? Do you install them from dubious sources? If so, you are opening a superb way for viruses to infect your computer. These plugins are installed in two ways. First, they include with some of the so-called software such as speed boosters and all. Secondly, there may be some attractive claims that force users to install these plugins in their web browsers. Depending on the control web browser has on your PC, the infection will have worse effects. So, one of the best methods is to trust plugins only from trusted sources. And, unless it is that necessary, it makes sense to abstain from installation of such toolbars and all. After all, why do you need those nasty toolbars in power-packed browsers like Chrome?
Security Loopholes
Developers try to ensure best security for the software. However, at the same time, hackers try to find loopholes in those tools for enabling backdoors and all. Obviously, through regular updates, developers try to keep their software away from zero-days threats. As a result, if you are using outdated software in your PC, it’s a way virus can infect the device. It’s bad for your entire digital life, especially if you are using an outdated web browser with a bunch of loopholes. So, you should make sure that you are running the latest version of software. This is the same when it comes to the anti-virus suite also. Also, if you have time, do have a look at security news to know about the possible security loopholes. This way, you will know as newer loopholes as they appear.
Spam Emails
“Hi There. You have got $1000000 as the prize for our competitor. Check the attachments to claim your money”. Do you get these types emails often? if you open such attachments, you are actually destroying your PC. These attachments often contain malicious executable files. Once opened, these executable files won’t take more than a few seconds to steal data from your PC or to lock them down. Even now, despite all those struggles to keep spam low, there is no scarcity for the number of spam emails you receive every day. And, it’s definitely one of the most used ways to infect computers with the brand-new viruses and malware.
Freeware
Freeware is one of the effective ways hackers use to spread viruses and other malware. In most cases, malicious tools are disguised as useful utilities. In fact, the package will have some seemingly useful tools. But, along with the installation of a useful utility, a virus will also be installed. Being dubbed as useful utilities — system speed booster or analyser — people have a natural tendency to get such freeware installed. It’s this tendency that allows evil minds to infect PCs.
Downloads from Non-Trusted Sources
Do you download files from not-so-trusted sources, especially torrents? Actually, you are at risk, especially if you are not sure about the sources. So, as much as possible, you should refrain from downloading stuff from not-so-trusted sources. We don’t say all the pirated stuff are bad for your PC. But, in fact, there may be some hidden content in pirated packages. And, these contents can be used for infecting your computer.
Consequences of Virus Infections
It is not possible to list out all the consequences of Virus Infection. However, the major consequences are as follows.
- Data Stealth: Data stealth is one of the major consequences of getting your PCs infected with viruses. From your usual photographs to confidential data, everything can be stolen through the backdoors created.
- Data Loss: Some viruses have direct impact over hardware and software aspects of your PC. So, chances are high that you may lose some of your valuable data in the long run.
- System Instability: For a variety of purposes, malwares use your system resources. So, depending on this usage, it is possible that your system will become instable. In most cases, the resources are utilized for doing illegal and inappropriate activities such as virus spreading and piracy-related stuff.
- Slow System: Boot Sector Viruses are some kinds of viruses that affect the bootloader of your system. In such cases, your PC may become unusable and the data will be lost in time. Moreover, it downgrades your productivity as well.
- Loss of Money: There are different kinds of other malware such as Ransomware and Adware. Such malware try to steal your data and blackmail you in the end. For instance, ransomware needs you to pay a certain amount to access your data.
So, these are the common consequences of virus infection. If you want to go deep, you can check out articles about specific viruses and malware.
The Bottom Line
It’s no doubtful fact that a major virus infection can impact your PC like hell. So, you should try to keep your PC as secure as possible. To do that, you can utilize dedicated anti-virus programs and security suites out there. And, we really prefer using premium antivirus instead of the free ones. For instance, if we take the case of Bitdefender, you can have in-built protection against ransomware and adware — which are two of the popular malware used. You can use Kaspersky, Norton or check our best antivirus recommendations page.
