University of Basrah

Introduction to computer science

Assist tech.: Mohammed F. Alrifaie
First stage

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 Viruses
A computer virus is a program which can harm our device and
files and infect them for no further use. When a virus program is
executed, it replicates itself by modifying other computer
programs and instead enters its own coding. This code infects a
file or program and if it spreads massively, it may ultimately
result in crashing of the device.

Computer viruses aim to:

• Disrupt systems
• Cause major operational issues
• Result in data loss and leakage.
 How does a virus work?
A computer virus performs two basic functions: it copies itself
from machine to machine (self- reproducing), and it executes
the instructions the perpetrator has planned.

Components of viruses:

• A replication mechanism
• Protection – Invisibility mechanism
• A Trigger - activation mechanism
• The payload
 Types of Viruses
1.File Infector Viruses:
These viruses attach themselves to executable files and can spread
when the infected file is executed.
Example: CIH/Chernobyl - Also known as the "Chernobyl virus," it
targeted Windows 95 and 98 systems, damaging the system BIOS and
rendering the computer inoperable.

2.Boot Sector Viruses:

These viruses infect the master boot record or boot sector of a
storage device, making them active when the system is booted.
Example: Stone Virus - This virus infects the boot sector and spreads
through infected floppy disks.
 Types of Viruses
3. Macro Viruses:
These viruses are written in macro language and attach
themselves to documents or templates, typically in word
processing or spreadsheet applications.
Example: Melissa - A macro virus that spread through Microsoft
Word documents, infecting documents and emailing itself to the top
50 contacts in the user's address book.
 Viruses Classification

1. Worms:
Worms spread from computer to computer, but unlike a virus, it
has the capability to travel without any human action. A worm
takes advantage of file or information transport features on your
system, which is what allows it to travel unaided.
Example: A worm called Storm, which showed up in 2007,
immediately started making a name for itself. Storm used social
engineering techniques to trick users into loading the worm on their
computer.
 Viruses Classification
2. Trojan Horse:
A Trojan Horse is full of as much trickery as the mythological
Trojan Horse it was named after. The Trojan Horse, at first glance
will appear to be useful software but will actually do damage once
installed or run on your computer. It changes your desktop, adding
silly active desktop icons) or they can cause serious damage by
deleting files and destroying information on your system.
 Signs to identify computer viruses

1. Speed of the System

In case a virus is completely executed into your device, the time
taken to open applications may become longer and the entire
system processing may start working slowly.

2. Pop-up Windows
One may start getting too many pop up windows on their screen
which may be virus affected and harm the device even more.

3. Self Execution of Programs

Files or applications may start opening in the background of the
system by themselves and you may not even know about them.
 Signs to identify computer viruses

4. Log out from Accounts

In case of a virus attack, the probability of accounts getting hacked
increase and password-protected sites may also get hacked and you
might get logged out from all of them.

5. Crashing of the Device

In most cases, if the virus spreads in maximum files and programs,
there are chances that the entire device may crash and stop
working.
 How to protect a PC from viruses?

1. Use a Trusted Antivirus Product

Trusted computer antivirus products are crucial to stop malware
attacks and prevent computers from being infected with viruses.
These antivirus concepts will protect devices from being infected
through regular scans and identifying and blocking malware.

2. Avoid Clicking Pop-up Advertisements

Unwanted pop-up advertisements are more than likely to be
linked to computer viruses and malware. Never click on pop-up
advertisements because this can lead to inadvertently
downloading viruses onto a computer.

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 How to protect a PC from viruses?

3. Scan Your Email Attachments

A popular way to protect your device from computer viruses is to
avoid suspicious email attachments, which are commonly used to
spread malware. Computer antivirus solutions can be used to scan
email attachments for potential viruses.

4. Scan the Files That You Download Using File-sharing

Programs
File-sharing programs, particularly unofficial sites, are also popular
resources for attackers to spread computer viruses. Avoid
downloading applications, games, or software from unofficial sites,
and always scan files that have been downloaded from any file-
sharing program.
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