A computer virus is malware that copies itself by inserting its code into a host program or data file. It is one kind of malware, not a catch-all name for every malicious program: a worm, for example, can spread without attaching itself to a host file.
What makes a program a computer virus?
The defining feature is host-based replication. A virus places copies of itself in a program or data file, so the infected host can carry it onward when used or shared. NIST describes this mechanism in Special Publication 800-83 Revision 1 (2013).
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Malware is the broader category of software intended to compromise or misuse a device or its data. It includes viruses as well as other threats, such as worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and some forms of adware. The terms are related, but they are not interchangeable: a worm can replicate and spread independently, while a virus depends on a host program or file.
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NIST’s 2013 guide describes three useful technical forms. They are classifications by what the virus infects, not a ranking of danger or a guide to how common each type is today.
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| Form | What it infects | How it is classified |
|---|---|---|
| File-infecting virus | Executable programs | Attaches to a program file that can carry the virus. |
| Boot-sector virus | A drive’s boot record or a removable drive’s boot sector | Targets information used when the device starts. |
| Multipartite virus | Both program files and boot-related areas | Combines file-infecting and boot-sector traits. |
These are examples in NIST’s SP 800-83 Rev. 1, not an exhaustive catalogue of every virus variant.
How can a computer get a virus?
Infection usually begins when malicious code reaches a device through a file, download, website, or removable drive. Microsoft lists these common routes in its guidance on protecting a PC from viruses:
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- Email attachments and links: An unexpected attachment may be disguised as a receipt, invoice, or other ordinary document. With attachment-based infections, a person typically has to open or run the malicious file.
- Bundled downloads: Unwanted software may be packaged with a download, particularly one obtained from a third-party source. Installation prompts can reveal extra components, so read them rather than clicking through automatically.
- Compromised or malicious websites: A webpage may exploit a vulnerability in outdated software. This route does not always depend on the user deliberately running an attachment.
- Removable media: An infected USB drive or other removable device can carry malicious files to a computer.
How can you reduce the risk of infection?
No single step guarantees that a device cannot be infected. The most useful approach is to reduce opportunities for malicious code to run and keep protective software current.
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- Download programs from the software maker’s official site or another source you trust. Review installation screens and decline software you did not intend to install.
- Install updates for your operating system, browser, and other software. Updates can address vulnerabilities that malicious websites may exploit.
- Avoid connecting unknown USB drives or other removable devices to your computer.
- Use current real-time security protection. Microsoft says Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into modern Windows versions; check the protection available for your particular Windows version or other operating system.
Antivirus software is intended to monitor a computer or network for malware and help prevent or contain incidents, as described in the NIST glossary. It is a layer of defense, not a promise of perfect protection. The cited guidance does not establish that everyone needs to buy a separate security product.
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What should you do if you suspect an infection?
A slow computer or another isolated performance problem does not prove that a virus is present; ordinary device issues can cause similar symptoms. If you have a credible reason to suspect a serious infection, disconnecting the device from networks may help limit further communication while you seek appropriate help. This is not a complete cleanup procedure: the steps needed to diagnose and remove malware depend on the device, operating system, and incident.
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