Understanding Computer Viruses

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What is a computer virus?

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A computer virus is a type of malicious software designed to infiltrate and replicate itself within a computer system without the user's consent.

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How does a computer virus spread?

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A virus spreads by attaching itself to other programs or files, executing when these files are accessed.

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What are the motives behind creating computer viruses?

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Motives can range from causing minor disruptions to severe damage, including data theft, destruction of information, or financial extortion.

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What happens when a virus infects a file or program?

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When executed, the virus performs malicious tasks it was programmed to do, which can include data deletion or system crashes.

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What is the core mechanism of a virus?

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The core mechanism lies in its ability to replicate and spread by instructing the host program to make copies of the viral code.

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How can viruses propagate across networks?

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Viruses can propagate across networks by infecting multiple computers connected to the same network or through removable storage devices.

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What are some types of viruses?

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Types include harmless prank viruses, ransomware that encrypts data, and Trojan horses that disguise as legitimate software.

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What can be the consequences of a severe virus infection?

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Consequences can include crashing systems, destroying data, rendering software unusable, or making hardware inoperable.

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Why is understanding computer viruses important for individuals and organizations?

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Understanding how viruses work and their potential damage is critical to safeguard data and systems against malicious attacks.