Computer virus
(Redirected from Stealth virus)
Computer virus
A computer virus is a type of malware designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. It can infect computer systems by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. When this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected" with a computer virus.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Computer viruses can spread through various means, including email attachments, Internet downloads, and removable media such as USB drives. They can perform a wide range of malicious activities, including stealing personal data, logging keystrokes, and rendering the computer or certain files unusable.
History[edit | edit source]
The concept of a computer virus dates back to the early 1970s, but the first known instance of a virus in the wild was Elk Cloner, created in 1982 for the Apple II operating system. This virus spread via floppy disk and displayed a poem on infected computers. The term "virus" was first used in this context by Fred Cohen in 1983 during his academic studies.
Types of Computer Viruses[edit | edit source]
There are several types of computer viruses, each with unique characteristics and modes of operation. Some of the most common include:
- Boot Sector Virus: Infects the master boot record and spreads when the system is booted from the disk containing the virus.
- Macro Virus: Targets macros within documents and spreads when the documents are shared.
- Polymorphic Virus: Changes its code or signature patterns to evade detection by antivirus software.
- Metamorphic Virus: Completely rewrites its own code and thus, can evade detection by creating entirely new versions of itself.
- Resident Virus: Embeds itself in the memory of a computer and can execute without the need to infect a specific file.
Prevention and Removal[edit | edit source]
Preventing computer virus infections involves a combination of practices, including installing and updating antivirus software, avoiding suspicious emails and websites, and regularly updating the computer's operating system and software. Removal of a virus typically requires the use of specialized antivirus tools and may sometimes necessitate a complete system reinstall to fully eradicate the infection.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The impact of computer viruses can range from minor annoyances to significant financial loss and data breaches. High-profile virus outbreaks, such as WannaCry and NotPetya, have demonstrated the potential for widespread damage and the importance of cybersecurity measures.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD