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A computer virus is a type of malware that replicates itself to spread and cause damage to computers and connected devices. There are several types of computer viruses, including resident, polymorphic, network, Trojan, and overwrite viruses, each with unique characteristics and methods of operation. Understanding these viruses is crucial for protecting computers and data from potential threats.

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5 views3 pages

Assignment Submission

A computer virus is a type of malware that replicates itself to spread and cause damage to computers and connected devices. There are several types of computer viruses, including resident, polymorphic, network, Trojan, and overwrite viruses, each with unique characteristics and methods of operation. Understanding these viruses is crucial for protecting computers and data from potential threats.

Uploaded by

garydonald690
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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COMPUTER VIRUSES : DEFINITION AND TYPES

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of malware designed to


spread from one computer to another by constant
replication thereby causing damage or disruption to
The Computer and any other Attached via USB,
Email Attachments or network connection. In essence, viruses gain unauthorized access to a
computer and can execute actions like deleting files or corrupting data.

TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

1.Resident Viruses
2.polymorphic viruses
3. Network viruses
4.Trojan viruses(Horses)
5.Overwrite viruses

1. RESIDENT VIRUSES

A resident virus hides/installs itself within the computer's memory and executes when the system
or a specific program is running. Depending on the virus' programming it can infect any file run
by the computer (for example if it attaches to an anti-virus). An example is "Randex"

2.POLYMORPHIC VIRUSES

A polymorphic virus is highly sophisticated that is capable of creating modified versions of


itself. In essence, they can change their code to avoid detection by anti virus software. To remain
undetected, polymorphic viruses encrypts their code and uses different Encryption keys each
time. An example is "storm worm"
3. NETWORK VIRUSES

A network virus spreads across local or wide area networks by exploiting vulnerabilities(finding
loopholes) in network protocols. It also spreads from computer to computer without necessarily
dropping a file based copy of itself in any of the affected computers. An example is "nimda
virus".

4.TROJAN VIRUSES(HORSES)

A Trojan virus disguises itself as a legitimate software/program but executes harmful tasks once
installed. Trojan viruses can steal data,install spyware or create backdoors for hackers. An
example is "Zeus Trojan"

5. OVERWRITE VIRUSES

An overwrite virus will replace data saved on a computer with random data thereby making
recovery impossible. They can overwrite data without having to change the size of the file
making detection difficult. An example is "Trivial.88.D"

IN CONCLUSION

Computer viruses pose a great threat to computers and any others connected to them and since
they vary in complexity,purpose and damage, it is essential to understand them in order to protect
your computer and your data. There are many other computer viruses,the ones listed and
explained above are just a few of them. It is important to take all necessary measures in other to
prevent the damages that can be caused by these viruses.
BAMIGBADE DANIEL OLUWATAMILORE

FCFMTND20241569

COM 111 ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

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