Virus and Malware Removal

Viruses and malware are programs that can attack computers, tablets, phones and other digital devices.
A virus is a small program designed to cause trouble by gaining access to your device. It can copy your personal data or slow your device down. A virus spreads by duplicating and attaching itself to other files.
By combining the words ‘malicious’ (meaning ‘harmful’) and ‘software’ we get the word ‘malware’. Viruses are just one type of malware. Other types include spyware, worms and trojans.

Common types of malware

Viruses

A virus is a type of malware that spreads through normal programs. Once your device has a virus it may spread easily and quickly. A virus might just slow down your device – or it might be so severe you lose all your applications and documents!

Worms

Worms can spread from device to device, but unlike a virus they don’t need to attach themselves to other programs. Worms can copy themselves hundreds of times, so they can very quickly harm your device and other devices. A worm might copy itself onto your email account and then send a copy to all of your email contacts!

Trojan horse

A trojan horse (or just a trojan) pretends it will be a useful and safe program, when actually it will try to attack your device.
Trojans are named after the story of the Trojan Horse. It is said that many years ago the Greek army wheeled a large wooden horse to the gates of the city of Troy. The people of Troy thought it was a gift and wheeled it inside. They didn’t know that inside the horse were Greek soldiers waiting to attack. Can you see why a trojan horse on a device is named after this story?

Spyware

Spyware is software that installs itself onto devices and then steals personal information about the user, like passwords, email addresses and other important information. It often does it just by keeping a record of everything the user types, which is called key logging. Some spyware can even use your webcam without your knowledge.