A computer virus is a type of malicious software program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Much like a biological virus, it attaches itself to files or programs and spreads when those files are executed or shared. Viruses can corrupt data, slow down systems, steal sensitive information, or create backdoors for further attacks.
They are commonly transmitted through infected email attachments, malicious downloads, removable media, or compromised websites. While traditional viruses are less common today compared to other types of malware, they remain an important concept in cybersecurity and a foundation for understanding modern threats.
Advanced
Viruses operate by injecting malicious code into legitimate programs, which then execute the payload when the host program runs. They may be file infectors, macro viruses, boot sector viruses, or polymorphic viruses that change code to avoid detection. Advanced viruses can use stealth techniques, encrypt themselves, or disable security software to prolong infection.
Modern cybersecurity defenses rely on antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR), intrusion detection systems, and behavioral analytics to identify and neutralize viruses. Signature-based detection alone is no longer sufficient, as many viruses evolve into more complex forms of malware such as worms, trojans, and ransomware.
Relevance
- Represents one of the earliest and most recognized forms of malware.
- Causes financial and reputational damage through data loss or theft.
- Highlights the importance of antivirus and security measures.
- Can disrupt business operations through downtime or system failures.
- Serves as a learning model for understanding malware evolution.
- Remains relevant in legacy systems and unprotected environments.
Applications
- A virus spreading via infected USB drives across an office network.
- A macro virus embedded in malicious Word documents.
- An email attachment delivering a virus payload to unsuspecting users.
- A boot sector virus infecting a computer’s startup process.
- Security researchers using virus behavior to study malware defense.
Metrics
- Number of infections detected across systems.
- Time to detect (TTD) and time to respond (TTR) to virus outbreaks.
- Infection rate through networks or shared files.
- System downtime caused by virus activity.
- Effectiveness of antivirus updates and patches.
Issues
- Can lead to data corruption or permanent loss.
- May spread rapidly across networks if unchecked.
- Legacy viruses may still infect outdated systems.
- Increases IT support and recovery costs.
- Weak security hygiene can leave systems vulnerable.
Example
A university experienced a virus outbreak through infected email attachments. The virus corrupted files across faculty computers, forcing the IT team to shut down systems for recovery. Afterward, the university enforced stricter email filtering, updated antivirus software, and provided staff training to prevent recurrence.