Computer Virus: An Analysis on Detection and Prevention Technology

Abstract

A computer virus is a destructive computer program that can spread across computers and networks by making copies of itself to a host file or system area commonly through the email attachments, usually without the users’ knowledge and runs against wishes of users. It attaches itself to files, programs or parts of the operating system and performs harmful actions, such as delete of files, slowdown of the computer, corruption of data, steal of sensitive information, damaging computers and computer systems, etc., of individuals and organizations. It is the most potent and vulnerable threat for computer users that hampers important work involved with data and documents. It has replication, protection, and payload mechanism. It is potentially dangerous that can threaten the proper functioning of the computer system. Once it gets control, it multiplies itself to form newer generations. An attempt has been taken here to discuss the detection and prevention strategies of computer viruses.