Blog


← Back to BLOG

31
May
2019
Back to the Basics - What is a Computer Virus

Back to the Basics - What is a Computer Virus

Posted by navitend

Understanding Computer Viruses

A computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates and is designed to spread from one computer to another. After a virus has attached itself to a program, file, or document the virus will lie dormant on your system until the code is executed, which occurs once you’ve run the infected program. In other words, you could have a virus on your computer for any given length of time without showing any signs or symptoms. Once that virus infects your computer, it can also spread to other computers on the same network. The virus may steal password data, log keystrokes, corrupt files, spam email contacts, or take over your machine entirely. In some instances, the virus could delete your data.

Computer viruses spread in many ways, with some more common transfer methods being email, file downloads from the internet, and social media scam links. Social media scams are becoming increasingly common, with malicious links disguised as a video or image or someone you know or could be another form of shareable content that appears to be innocent. Smartphones and other connected devices are also susceptible to viruses as well, which are often transferred when a malicious app downloaded.

How can you protect yourself from a computer virus?

  • Exercise caution when surfing the web, downloading files and opening links attachments. Do not open email attachments you’re not expecting.
  • Only download files or programs from websites you trust. If you are unsure if a website is safe, use a search engine to research the website and see if anyone else has reported anything malicious or unusual following the download. Read security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements with any software you consider downloading.
  • Be wary of free music and video file-sharing programs. Do not click on pop-up ads.
  • Lastly, make sure you are running a trusted anti-virus program and keeping it updated with the latest virus definitions. Anti-virus programs will continually perform sweeps looking for known virus files and warn of websites that have been known for distributing files with viruses.

Check out the navitend blog site for more tips and feel free to reach out to Patrice at 973.448.0070 ext 312.

Contact us at 973.448.0070

CATEGORIES

TAGS

zoom workplace working remotely working from home website voip training technology sophos solutions solution security scam risk remote user remote access remote policy policies phones phone phishing password mobile microsoft 365 microsoft information technology information security information hipaa employee training email data security data cybersecurity cybercriminals cyber security cyber insurance cyber attack cyber covid-19 coronavirus consulting computer compliance community communication cloud business backup

Archives

Testimonials

  • "Thanks so much again for taking care of everything in such an expedient manner. It's a pleasure to work with navitend and its staff as always!"

    Lawrence Wolfin / Textol Systems, Inc.

  • "We've dedicated our lives to growing our retail and ecommerce business and it's a relief to have found a company like navitend who treats our business likes it's their own. navitend's personal approach to project management and problem solving are top-notch."

    Stamatis, Co-owner Twisted Lily, Fragrance Boutique and Apothecary

  • "I appreciate that they didn’t just build the application. They made it better by bringing ideas to the table that not only made for a better user experience, but also kept the development costs down."

    Andy Lynch / North Star Marketing

  • "I look forward to working with you again in the future. Once again, thanks to your organization for your prompt response."

    Luke Wolters / Luke Wolters Tax Consultants

  • "navitend has been a great IT partner for our company.  Their helpdesk response time is the best I have experienced in my 30 year career.  navitend has helped me to have great IT services without the need to have a full time, in house, technician at significant savings to our company."

    Bob Bradley, President, Bradley Graphics

  • "Our company is more efficient and has grown as a result of navitend’s work. navitend helped us get to the next level."

    Greg Niccolai / Madison Insurance

  • navitend’s approach to customer service is greatly appreciated here.  Ensuring that we are well protected from a technology standpoint provides us with peace of mind to continue our day to day operations and that they are looking out for our company's best interest. 

    Debbie

  • “Navitend’s expertise helped our firm over the past year to effectively elevate our I.T. game, powering our website into a highly interactive tool. Well done to Frank and his team!”  

    Chuck Steege, CFP®, CEP, President, SFG Wealth Planning Services, Inc.

  • "Thanks so much!  You are a class act!  
    You and your team have really done an excellent job on this!"

    Steve Van Ooteghem, The C12 Group in Houston, Texas