The 20 most common PC viruses
A software program is only as good as its ability to remain free from malware and other security risks. Unfortunately, as platforms become more complex and users become more reliant on technology, the potential for infection also rises.
While Macs and PCs have historically been affected by different viruses, the rise of cross-platform malware means that both are now vulnerable to many of the same threats. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 most common PC viruses and how you can protect yourself from them.
1. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware virus that spread quickly across the globe in May of 2017. The virus exploited a Windows security flaw to encrypt users’ files and demand a ransom for their release.
While WannaCry was eventually stopped, it did manage to infect hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries. The total damage caused by the virus is estimated to be over $4 billion.
2. NotPetya
NotPetya is another ransomware virus that emerged in the summer of 2017. Like WannaCry, it exploited a Windows security flaw to encrypt users’ files. However, NotPetya was designed to spread more quickly and was also equipped with a destructive component that could delete files and render a computer inoperable.
NotPetya caused billions of dollars in damage, with particularly heavy hit taken by Maersk, the world’s largest container ship operator, and Merck, a major pharmaceutical company.
3. Zeus
Zeus is a Trojan virus that was first detected in 2007. It is typically spread through phishing emails that contain infected attachments or links to malicious websites.
Once a computer is infected with Zeus, the virus allows cyber criminals to steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords. Zeus has been used to steal millions of dollars from bank accounts around the world.
4. Conficker
Conficker is a computer worm that was first detected in 2008. It spread quickly by exploiting a flaw in the Windows operating system.
Conficker caused major disruptions to computer networks around the world. It disabled security features and prevented users from accessing certain websites.
5. Stuxnet
Stuxnet is a computer worm that was first detected in 2010. It is believed to have been created by the US and Israeli governments to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program.
The worm spread by infecting USB drives and then exploiting security flaws in Windows to gain access to computer networks. Once inside, it sabotaged nuclear centrifuges by causing them to spin out of control.
Stuxnet is thought to be the first computer virus that was used to cause physical damage to equipment.
6. CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a ransomware virus that was first detected in 2013. It spread by infecting computers through email attachments and malicious links.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would encrypt the user’s files and demand a ransom for their release. CryptoLocker was particularly damaging because it used strong encryption that was resistant to breaking.
7. Flame
Flame is a computer virus that was first detected in 2012. It is one of the most complex viruses ever created and is believed to have been developed by the US government.
Flame was designed to collect sensitive information from infected computers. It could take screenshots, record audio and video, and steal email and chat messages.
The virus was used to gather intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program.
8. Melissa
Melissa is a computer virus that was first detected in 1999. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “Hello, I’m Melissa. Please forward this message to everyone you know.” This message would then be sent to everyone in the victim’s address book, causing the virus to spread quickly.
Melissa caused millions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
9. ILOVEYOU
ILOVEYOU is a computer virus that was first detected in 2000. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “ILOVEYOU” followed by an attachment. This attachment, when opened, would release the virus, which would then proceed to delete important files and send itself to everyone in the victim’s address book.
ILOVEYOU caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
10. Code Red
Code Red is a computer worm that was first detected in 2001. It exploited a security flaw in the Microsoft IIS web server software to spread itself.
Once a computer was infected with Code Red, the virus would display a message that said “Welcome to www.worm.com” and then proceed to launch a denial of service attack on the White House website.
Code Red caused significant disruptions to internet traffic and caused millions of dollars in damage.
11. Sasser
Sasser is a computer worm that was first detected in 2004. It exploited a security flaw in the Windows operating system to spread itself.
Once a computer was infected with Sasser, the virus would display a message that said “This system is shutting down” and then proceed to shutdown the computer. Sasser would then try to infect any other computers on the same network.
Sasser caused significant disruptions to computer networks around the world.
12. Mydoom
Mydoom is a computer virus that was first detected in 2004. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “I’m sorry, I’m infected with Mydoom. Please forward this message to everyone you know.” This message would then be sent to everyone in the victim’s address book, causing the virus to spread quickly.
Mydoom caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
13. SoBig
SoBig is a computer virus that was first detected in 2003. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “Hello, I’m SoBig. Please forward this message to everyone you know.” This message would then be sent to everyone in the victim’s address book, causing the virus to spread quickly.
SoBig caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
14. SQL Slammer
SQL Slammer is a computer worm that was first detected in 2003. It exploited a security flaw in the Microsoft SQL Server software to spread itself.
Once a computer was infected with SQL Slammer, the virus would consume all of the computer’s resources, causing it to become unusable. SQL Slammer caused significant disruptions to the internet and caused millions of dollars in damage.
15. Nimda
Nimda is a computer virus that was first detected in 2001. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “Hello, I’m Nimda. Please forward this message to everyone you know.” This message would then be sent to everyone in the victim’s address book, causing the virus to spread quickly.
Nimda caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
16. Elk Cloner
Elk Cloner is a computer virus that was first detected in 1982. It was the first virus to spread via the internet.
Elk Cloner would infect a computer when a user booted from an infected floppy disk. Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “Elk Cloner: The program with a personality.”
Elk Cloner was not particularly damaging, but it did serve as a precursor to more destructive viruses that would follow.
17. Morris
Morris is a computer virus that was first detected in 1988. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would consume all of the computer’s resources, causing it to become unusable. Morris caused significant disruptions to the internet and caused millions of dollars in damage.
18. Chernobyl
Chernobyl is a computer virus that was first detected in 1998. It was designed to damage industrial equipment.
The virus would infect a computer when a user booted from an infected floppy disk. Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “You have been infected by the Chernobyl virus.”
Chernobyl did not cause widespread damage, but it did serve as a reminder of the potential for viruses to cause physical damage.
19. Love Bug
Love Bug is a computer virus that was first detected in 2000. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “ILOVEYOU” followed by an attachment. This attachment, when opened, would release the virus, which would then proceed to delete important files and send itself to everyone in the victim’s address book.
Love Bug caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.
20. Sober
Sober is a computer virus that was first detected in 2005. It spread quickly by emailing itself to contacts in a victim’s address book.
Once a computer was infected, the virus would display a message that said “Hello, I’m Sober. Please forward this message to everyone you know.” This message would then be sent to everyone in the victim’s address book, causing the virus to spread quickly.
Sober caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the temporary shutdown of email servers at many major organizations.Full Article
The most dangerous social networking viruses
The social networking world has become a breeding ground for viruses, with new ones appearing every day. The most dangerous social networking viruses are those that exploit the fact that people are trusting and willing to click on links without thinking. These viruses can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage.
The most dangerous social networking virus is the Koobface virus. Koobface is a worm that was first seen in 2008. It targets Facebook users and spreads by sending them friend requests from fake accounts. If the user accepts the request, the worm then gains access to the victim’s profile and starts sending messages to all of their friends. The messages usually contain a link to a website that looks like a Facebook login page. If the victim enters their Facebook credentials on this page, the worm will steal their account information and use it to spread itself further.
The Koobface virus has caused a lot of damage since it first appeared. It has been used to steal user’s credentials, spread other viruses, and even send out spam. In 2010, Koobface was responsible for a phishing attack that targeted Facebook users in the UK. The attack resulted in over £30,000 being stolen from victim’s bank accounts.
Another dangerous social networking virus is the Ramnit virus. Ramnit first appeared in 2010 and targets both Facebook and Twitter users. It spreads by infected websites that host malicious JavaScript code. When a user visits one of these websites, the code will automatically start to download the virus onto their computer. Once it is installed, the virus will start to collect sensitive information such as passwords and banking details. It can also give the attacker control over the victim’s computer.
Ramnit has been used in a number of attacks and has been responsible for stealing millions of pounds from victim’s bank accounts. In 2011, it was used in an attack on Barclays Bank that resulted in the theft of over £1 million.
The best way to protect yourself from these dangerous viruses is to be cautious when clicking on links. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know and be wary of clicking on links in messages from friends. If you think you may have been infected, it is important to run a virus scan as soon as possible.
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