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38 views

Lec 3

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baqercollege
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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AL KOUNOUZ

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
PHARMACY DEPARTMENT
SECOND STAGE

computer
Lec.3
Computer Virus Definition
A computer virus is an ill-natured software application
or authored code that can attach itself to other
programs, self-replicate, and spread itself onto other
devices. When executed, a virus modifies other
computer programs by inserting its code into them. If
the virus’s replication is successful, the affected device
is considered “infected” with a computer virus.
The malicious activity carried out by the virus’s code
can damage the local file system, steal data, interrupt
services, download additional malware, or any other
actions the malware author coded into the program.
Many viruses pretend to be legitimate programs to
trick users into executing them on their devices,
delivering the computer virus payload.
Types of Computer Viruses
Every computer virus has a payload that performs an action. The threat actor can code any malicious
activity into the virus payload, including simple, innocuous pranks that don’t do any harm. While a few
viruses have harmless payloads, most of them cause damage to the system and its data. There are nine
main virus types, some of which could be packaged with other malware to increase the chance of
infection and damage. The nine major categories for viruses on computers are:
❖ Boot Sector Virus
A boot sector virus damages or controls the boot sector on the drive, rendering the machine unusable.
Attackers usually use malicious USB devices to spread this computer virus. The virus is activated when
users plug in the USB device and boot their machine.
❖ Web Scripting Virus
Most browsers have defenses against malicious web scripts, but older, unsupported browsers have
vulnerabilities allowing attackers to run code on the local device.
❖ Browser Hijacker
A computer virus that can change the settings on your browser will hijack browser favorites, the home
page URL, and your search preferences and redirect you to a malicious site. The site could be a phishing
site or an adware page used to steal data or make money for the attacker.
❖ Resident Virus
A virus that can access computer memory and sit dormant until a payload is delivered is considered a
resident virus. This malware may stay dormant until a specific date or time or when a user performs an
action.
Types of Computer Viruses
❖ Direct Action Virus
When a user executes a seemingly harmless file attached to malicious code, direct-action viruses deliver a
payload immediately. These computer viruses can also remain dormant until a specific action is taken or a
timeframe passes.

❖ Polymorphic Virus
Malware authors can use polymorphic code to change the program’s footprint to avoid detection.
Therefore, it’s more difficult for an antivirus to detect and remove them.

❖ File Infector Virus


To persist on a system, a threat actor uses file infector viruses to inject malicious code into critical files
that run the operating system or important programs. The computer virus is activated when the system
boots or the program runs.

❖ Multipartite Virus
These malicious programs spread across a network or other systems by copying themselves or injecting
code into critical computer resources.

❖ Macro Virus
Microsoft Office files can run macros that can be used to download additional malware or run malicious
code. Macro viruses deliver a payload when the file is opened and the macro runs.
What Causes Computer Viruses?

Computer viruses are standard programs; instead of


offering useful resources, these programs can damage
your device. Computer viruses are typically crafted by
hackers with various intentions, like stealing sensitive data
to causing chaos in systems. Some hackers create these
malicious programs for fun or as a challenge, while others
have more sinister motives like financial gain or cyber
warfare.
Hackers may exploit weak points in an operating system
or app to acquire unapproved access and power over a
user’s machine to achieve their goals.
What Causes Computer Viruses?
1. Ego-driven: Some virus authors seek fame within the
hacker community by creating destructive or
widespread viruses that garner media attention.
2. Cybercrime: Hackers often use computer viruses as
tools for ransomware attacks, identity theft, and other
forms of online fraud.
3. Sabotage: In some cases, disgruntled employees create
computer viruses to intentionally damage their
employer’s infrastructure.
4. Cyber espionage: State-sponsored hackers may
develop advanced persistent threats (APTs) using
custom-made malware designed for long-term
infiltration into targeted networks.
How Do Computer Viruses Work?
At their core, computer viruses are discreet programs that hitch a ride on other files or
applications. In most cases, their primary objective is to replicate and spread like wildfire.
Computer viruses function as malicious software programs designed to infect other programs by
modifying them in some way. In doing so, a virus will attach itself to an unsuspecting file or
application in order to spread.
⚫ The Infection Process
A virus can attach itself to any legitimate program or document that supports macros to execute its
code, such as an email attachment or a file download from a website. Once the file is opened or
downloaded, the virus springs into action and starts executing.
⚫ Hiding in Plain Sight
Computer viruses can be quite crafty to remain hidden from both users and antivirus software alike.
Viruses employ stealth techniques such as polymorphism, which changes their appearance, or
encryption methods.
⚫ The Damage Done
Once activated, a virus may wreak havoc on your computer system. It can steal sensitive data,
corrupt files, slow down performance, and even crash your entire system. It can spread from
system to system after a user takes action that either intentionally or accidentally facilitates it.
It’s important to note that viruses are just one type of malware, and many other types of malicious
software can harm your computer or steal your personal information.
How Do Viruses Spread?
Computer viruses spread through various channels, and being aware of these channels is
essential to protect yourself and your organization from infection.
⚫ Email Attachments
One method of virus transmission is through email attachments. Hackers often disguise their
malicious code as seemingly harmless files, such as documents or images unsuspecting users
open without a second thought. For example, Ursnif banking Trojan campaigns are known to
spread via email attachments posing as invoices or financial statements.
⚫ Internet Downloads
Viruses can also hide in software installers, media files, or even browser extensions that you
download from the web. It’s important to be cautious when downloading files from unknown
sources or sketchy websites. A notorious case was the Download.com scandal, where popular
applications were bundled with adware and other unwanted programs by default.
How Do Viruses Spread?
⚫ File Sharing Networks
File sharing networks like torrent sites and peer-to-peer platforms can easily transmit
viruses. Innocent-looking movie torrents or cracked software may carry hidden payloads
designed to compromise your device upon installation.

⚫ Removable Media
Viruses can attach to removable media, such as USB drives and CDs/DVDs, infecting any
computer they’re plugged into. The infamous Stuxnet worm is a prime example of a virus
that spreads through removable media.
To protect yourself and your organization from computer viruses, always exercise caution
and employ robust cybersecurity measures like up-to-date antivirus software and regular
system scans. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when preventing viruses and
cyber-attacks.
Signs of Computer Virus
Computer viruses have the “virus” name because they resemble
illnesses in the way they infect a system. Doctors can usually
diagnose a virus based on symptoms exhibited by the body. IT
professionals can do the same with computers. Typical signs of
computer virus infections include:

❑ Ongoing crashes and blue screen errors


❑ Slow performance
❑ Missing files
❑ Low storage
❑ Unexpected behavior
❑ Constant browser pop-ups
❑ Unidentifiable programs
❑ Increased network activity
❑ Disabled security software
Questions & Comments

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