A virus is a computer program built to impart specific harm to devices. If this program can execute on the target system and successfully fulfil its intended target, it is called a virus attack.
A virus attack is made to extract sensitive data from its target in most cases. Most viruses will copy your sensitive data and share it with its host over the Internet without your knowledge. It puts your data privacy at high risk.
Common Signs of a Virus Attack
Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a virus infection on your system.
- Slow System Performance
The most common sign of a virus attack is a slower system. Things take time to load, and even the lowest resource-intensive apps significantly slow down. A virus will mostly gulp down your system memory to execute its own operations, leaving very little space for your native apps.
- Running Out of Storage Space
Viruses can quickly start bulking up by spreading across your system and further downloading similar threats. Some viruses can even utilize your storage to store their data without your knowledge leading to storage space shortage.
- System Keeps Freezing or Crashing
A virus can also access your system’s critical function files and render them useless by encrypting or deleting them. This might cause your system to freeze or crash.
- Unusual Browsing Activity
Some viruses can be programmed to browse the Internet anonymously in the background & send out further requests from your system & share your data with its host leading to unusual browsing activity.
- Unexpected ads & pop-up windows
Viruses are notoriously known to lead the infected system’s user to more infections and adware through unexpected ads & random pop-ups on your browser.
- Unknown Programs Start Automatically
Almost all viruses can run on auto-pilot in the background & can download and execute certain unknown programs on your system, which can abruptly start on their own.
- Hard Disk Failure
In extreme cases, a virus can install itself into the BIOS & randomly send high data packages to the magnetic arm of the hard disk, which can corrupt the drive. It leads to hard disk failure. It can also damage data in a specific sector in the HDD that can cause an avalanche effect leading to hard disk failure.
- Corrupted Files
Viruses will usually gain access to program files & corrupt some key files to render an app useless.
How to Prevent Computer Virus Attacks?
- Install Antivirus/Anti-malware software
The most proven method to stay safe from computer virus attacks is to install a good antivirus app like Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky. These apps effectively offer complete protection against all forms of viruses and malware. However, make sure you also run frequent virus scans from the app to be completely safe.
As new threats emerge, it is more important than ever to have an antivirus that effectively handles these threats. While you can always use the free antivirus programs, they are not efficient in removing the malware.
Luckily, many excellent antivirus products like Bitdefender Total Security and Kaspersky Total Security provide all-around protection against new viruses and malware. If Bitdefender Total Security is your preferred antivirus, you can get the best price on Bitdefender subscriptions throughout the year, protecting all your devices.
2. Follow Cybersafety Rules
Many studies have proved that negligent users are the prime cause of a successful virus attack.
You should be extremely vigilant when working on your devices and ensure that you always abide by some common cyber safety rules.
- Viruses can easily sneak into your network or system by exploiting your trusted OS or software loopholes. Always update all your software and OS to get maximum protection.
- Many websites or stores claim to sell software at lower prices or even free of cost at times. However, beware that this software can be loaded with harmful viruses & can cause a lot of damage to your system after installation. Always download software only from reputed and trusted stores that assure genuine products only.
- It can be tempting to click on links or attachments sent out by friends through their email or chat windows. However, at times this might be imposters faking your friend’s account & sending out viruses through infected links. As a good habit, never click on suspicious links, emails, or attachments before checking their authenticity.
- Even though VPNs cannot protect you from virus attacks, they can still reduce the extent of damage caused by them. VPNs will disable the viruses’ communication channel with its host, which leads the virus stranded with no commands to follow.
- In the worst case, if you fall prey to a serious virus attack that causes data loss, a data backup can be your savior. Frequently create data backup to never lose out on any of your critical data.
- Weak passwords are a leading cause of account break-ins by cyber-criminals globally. Practice using strong & unique passwords on all your accounts and never share them with anyone over any channel.
Conclusion
Viruses and malware are only bound to get stronger and mightier with coming time. According to the latest statistics by Statista, 5.6 billion malware attacks were reported worldwide in 2020. The only way to ensure maximum protection against virus attacks is to invest in a good cybersecurity app equipped with the latest technology to ward off these attacks.
