Computer Virus Fact Sheet
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a malicious program that infiltrates your computer and executes unwanted or unauthorized actions. Viruses can damage files, disrupt operations, or compromise security.
How Does a Virus Work?
Viruses typically perform two main functions:
- Replication: They copy themselves from one machine to another.
- Execution: They carry out instructions programmed by the attacker.
Most viruses have three components:
- Replication Mechanism: Infects other programs by inserting hidden code.
- Activation Mechanism: Waits for a specific event or condition to trigger.
- Objective: Executes harmful or disruptive actions once activated.
What Damage Can a Virus Cause?
- Minor annoyances (pop-up messages)
- Loss or corruption of data
- Complete destruction of files
- In severe cases, rendering the computer unusable
How Many Viruses Exist?
There are over 10,000 known viruses, and more than 200 new viruses are discovered each month.
How Do Viruses Spread?
- Downloading infected files from the internet
- Sharing infected media or programs
- Email attachments and malicious links
Signs of Infection
Watch for:
- Programs taking longer to start or running slowly
- Excessive disk activity for simple tasks
- Unexplained decreases in memory or disk space
- Missing files or sudden appearance of hidden files
- Executable files changing size unexpectedly
How to Check for Viruses
Use a virus-scanning program to check your computer or external media. UHD provides CrowdStrike for faculty and staff PCs.
What UHD IT Is Doing
- All campus PCs have McAfee VirusScan installed for detection and removal.
- The Information Security Office monitors and addresses all security concerns.
Need Help?
- Contact the IT Service Desk at 713-221-8031.
- Forward suspicious emails or virus warnings to spamadmin@uhd.edu