Viruses and Malware

What is a computer virus?

A virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another.  It is a type of malware (malicious software)


What is malware?

Malware also includes other forms of software which can:

  • impede the normal operation of your computer,
  • collect sensitive information, or
  • gain access to private networks and systems.

Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses are all well known malware.

 

What happens when your computer is affected by a malware?

  • Installed computer programs can become corrupted or stop working altogether.

  • Computer performance is slowed down.

  • Multiple copies of files are created which occupy disk space and leaves less storage space for your files.

  • Some malwares can also spy on your computer activity and steal data.