What is the primary purpose of a computer virus?a)To improve the perfo...
The primary purpose of a computer virus is to alter other programs or destroy data on a computer. It is a malicious piece of code that can cause harm by modifying or deleting files and can even take control of a computer system.
What is the primary purpose of a computer virus?a)To improve the perfo...
The primary purpose of a computer virus is to alter other programs or destroy data. Computer viruses are malicious software programs that are designed to replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another. They are created with the intention of causing harm and disrupting the normal functioning of a computer system. Here is a detailed explanation of the primary purpose of a computer virus:
1. Definition of a computer virus:
- A computer virus is a type of malware that is capable of replicating itself and spreading to other computers.
- It attaches itself to other programs or files and executes its code when the infected program or file is run.
2. Disruption of normal functioning:
- The primary purpose of a computer virus is to disrupt the normal functioning of a computer system.
- Viruses can modify or delete files, corrupt data, and interfere with the operation of software programs.
- They can slow down the performance of a computer, cause crashes, and even render the system completely unusable.
3. Destruction of data:
- Computer viruses are often designed to destroy or manipulate data stored on a computer.
- They can delete files, overwrite data, or encrypt files and demand a ransom for their recovery.
- This can result in the loss of important documents, personal files, or sensitive information.
4. Alteration of programs:
- Viruses can also alter the code of other programs, making them behave in unexpected ways.
- They can modify the functionality of software applications, change settings, or disable certain features.
- This can lead to software malfunctions, system errors, and instability.
5. Unauthorized access and control:
- Some viruses are designed to provide unauthorized access to a computer system or allow remote control by an attacker.
- These types of viruses can enable hackers to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.
- They can also be used to create botnets or launch other types of cyber attacks.
In summary, the primary purpose of a computer virus is to alter other programs or destroy data. By spreading and infecting computers, viruses disrupt the normal functioning of a system, cause data loss, and can even provide unauthorized access to attackers. It is important to have effective antivirus software and practice safe computing habits to protect against these malicious threats.