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Virus
A computer virus is a program that is able to copy itself when it is run. It gets activated each
time the program or file to which it is attached is opened or executed. It is the most common
type of malware. It can spread itself by infecting other programs or files. This affects the original
program, causing it to no longer work properly. Viruses can cause various types of damage, such
as data loss, system instability, and unauthorized access.
Worm
A worm is similar to virus but it can copy itself and spread rapidly to any device attached. A
worm does not need any program to activate it. Worms can cause network congestion, system
slowdowns, and data breaches.
Trojan Horse
A trojan horse is a dangerous malware. It represents itself as helpful software programs. Once
the user clicks on it to agree to run it, it gains access to sensitive data and then modifies, blocks,
or deletes the data. It cannot copy itself from one computer to another.
Spyware
A spyware steals important information and data on the device, such as account passwords or
bank details. It observes the user's activity without their knowledge.
Adware
An adware tracks user's browser and download history and keeps popping advertisements on
the screen.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts files or locks users out of their systems and demands a ransom payment
in exchange for decryption keys or access restoration. Ransomware attacks can result in data
loss, financial losses, and operational disruptions for individuals and organizations.
Clickipedia
In 1986, the first virus was written for Windows based PCs by two brothers, Basit and Amjad
Farooq Alvi, from Pakistan, who were only 17 and 24 years old at the time. They named it
“Brain”.
HARMS CAUSED BY COMPUTER MALWARE
Different malwares will affect your computer in different ways.
They can crash your hard disk.
They can destroy all or some of your data.
They decrease the processing speed of the computer.
22 Premium Edition-VII

