The Most Common Computer Viruses
Computer viruses have become an increasingly common problem in today’s digital world. These malicious programs are designed to infect computers and cause damage or steal personal information. While there are countless different viruses out there, some have become more prevalent and well-known than others. Here are five of the most common computer viruses that users should be aware of.
WannaCry
WannaCry is one of the most notorious computer viruses in recent years. It made headlines around the world in 2017 when it infected hundreds of thousands of computers across 150 countries. WannaCry is a type of ransomware that encrypts the files on a user’s computer and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. It spread quickly through networks, taking advantage of a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Zeus
Zeus, also known as Zbot, is a Trojan horse virus that first appeared in 2007. It is primarily designed to steal financial information, such as online banking credentials and credit card numbers. Zeus is distributed through various means, including phishing emails, drive-by downloads, and social engineering techniques. It has infected millions of computers worldwide and is a significant threat to online banking and ecommerce transactions.
Conficker
Conficker is a worm that emerged in 2008 and quickly spread across the globe. It primarily targets computers running Microsoft Windows and takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the operating system to infect them. Conficker has the ability to disable security features, download and execute malware, and create a botnet for carrying out malicious activities. It is estimated that millions of computers were infected with Conficker at its peak.
CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a particularly destructive ransomware that emerged in 2013. It encrypts a user’s files, including documents, photos, videos, and more, and demands a ransom in order to regain access to them. CryptoLocker typically spreads through email attachments and malicious links. It uses strong encryption algorithms to ensure that victims are unable to decrypt their files without paying the ransom. While law enforcement agencies have made some progress in taking down the infrastructure behind CryptoLocker, variants of the ransomware continue to emerge.
Stuxnet
Stuxnet is a highly sophisticated worm that was first discovered in 2010. It is believed to have been created as a cyber weapon by a nation-state, specifically targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Stuxnet infected industrial control systems, particularly those used in nuclear facilities, and caused physical damage to equipment. It exploited multiple zero-day vulnerabilities and used various propagation methods, including infected USB drives. While Stuxnet is not a typical virus targeted at everyday consumers, it is worth mentioning due to its complex nature and the impact it had on critical infrastructure.
