Most Dangerous PC Viruses
As computers become more sophisticated and have more safeguards built-in, the “hackers” and malware writers also are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It seems for every new security patch put out by the manufacturers, there is a whole new set of viruses meant to attack it. Some of you may find it very difficult to fight some of them where some time the only solution is to reinstall an Operating System.
Here are some of the most dangerous current PC viruses in existence, along with the problems they can cause for your computer:
Vundo/ Virtumonde /MS Juan
Vundo is a Trojan horse that infects your computer by opening an e-mail attachment carrying the Trojan, or through weaknesses in popular browser plug-ins. Many popups advertise bogus antivirus programs that seem legitimate but definitely are not. The desktop background might be changed to an installation window telling you there is adware on the computer that needs attention. The screensaver is often changed to the Blue Screen of Death. The virus can disable Windows updates and you won’t be able to turn them back on. It also disables antivirus software and hijacks the registry causing system freezes and inability to gain access to the internet. Alternately, it will reject access to certain websites, most notably Google and Facebook.
Smitfraud
SmitFraud is very similar to Vundo, and it installs itself into a computer using adware, without the user knowing. Usually, you pick this virus up by installing a bogus codec program, so it’s very important to be careful when adding that type of program to your computer. It can also be embedded in programs, such as downloadable music and video files from sharing programs. SmitFraud can change your infected computer background into the blank blue screen. A variation is also now being seen where users receive fake alerts from sham software companies that lure you into downloading some phony antispyware programs, often without your knowledge.
Nine Ball Virus
The Nine Ball Virus is a new malware that targets Twitter users by sending out fake messages from the site posing as invitations to join Twitter, and it even has the Twitter logo. The message instructs the user to open an attachment, which launches the infection that can send out mass e-mail messages. Twitter attacks are becoming more popular as the site grows in usage. Recent attacks have ranged from hijacking accounts to attempts to steal contact information for additional malware distribution.
Conficker/ Downadup
Conficker is a fairly new virus that’s only been known since November 2008, and has already drawn in over 8 million Windows based computers. It’s a rapid replicating worm, and seen by Microsoft as so dangerous that they’ve offered a $250,000 reward for the author of this program. Computer experts so far are completely bewildered by the ultimate purpose of Conficker, but have said its spread is one of the most severe infections to date. It uses a bug in Windows to contaminate mostly business networks and opens a connection in reverse, which means it’s capable of getting more instructions from the author. It hasn’t yet caused any damage, but the potential is catastrophic. When infected, computers have their Windows services completely disabled- including Update, Security Center, and Defender. Without consistent updates, the computer becomes even more vulnerable to further attacks.
Hidden Root Kits
Rootkits (can be viruses or spyware, even Trojans), are risky programs that lie dormant and monitor computer activity, while also making a connection into the pc that can be used by hackers. They often allow administrator-level access to a computer network or particular pc, which means they can make any sort of changes to the machine they want. Since they often are very well hidden, ordinary virus scanners don’t pick them up, and only a specialized type can remove them.
Protection
How can you protect yourself and your computer investment from these malicious viruses and worms? Luckily, there are some steps you can take.
Run good antivirus software on your computer such as Avira or Avast, these are the best free antivirus software out there. Run a thorough scan on your hard drive for viruses and other malware and don’t forget to first update your antivirus before scanning. Scan your system with other free software such as Spybot and Asqware Free.
Keep your system and programs updated continuously. Many programs now have automatic updates available, making it easier to remain protected.
Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know or first download it to your PC before opening it providing you have an updated antivirus mentioned above installed. NEVER run an attachment on the fly, first download it let’s say on your desktop then open it or run. This way antivirus can catch an attached malware.
If you receive something suspicious, delete it from your inbox immediately, and also go into your deleted mail folder and delete it again to completely remove it from your system.
Regularly backup your system. If you do somehow become infected, you will not lose all of your valuable information.
If you feel you got infected and nothing helps submit a ticket to our helpdesk for us to diagnose your PC