Latest Viruses – Summary

In order to keep on top of the growing number of viruses and other types of malware that are constantly being produced, many companies produce lists that document the latest virus to attack PCs.

What are the Latest Viruses to Affect PCs Currently?

When a new virus is discovered, usually do to the fact that it has attacked many computers, it is documented so that anti-virus companies can begin the process of determining how to remove the virus before significant damage can be caused. Documenting the latest virus includes determining what type of malware it is; a virus, worm, Trojan, etc.; what activity the virus carries out and what it is targeting. Gathering as much information as possible provides anti-virus programmers with a starting point for fighting the virus. Also, it helps create a name for the virus.

Companies such as McAfee provide lists of the latest viruses to be discovered, as well as regional threats and global threats. They track how severe the activity by the attacking virus, as well as how widespread it is. Many lists also give the risk to users if the latest virus does in fact infect their machines, as well as the risk of having the latest virus infect their PC. Risk of infection often depends on the type of malware as well as the method of spread. For example, Trojans may often carry a low risk warning as they do not self replicate and are spread through very specific files. Usually, opening or installing an infected file is the way that this file is introduced into the system.

Anti-Virus Software

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your PC from infection by the latest virus files out there is to have an anti-virus program installed that keeps up to date with the latest virus definitions. When deciding on an anti-virus program, many people opt for a free version as it seems to provide all the protection they need. While this may be the case for those people who spend little to no time online, it may not be ideal. Even the safest and most trusted sites and programs can be (and have been) hacked. With free anti-virus programs, you are usually only getting part of the functionality. For example, you might get detection and blocking of viruses, but not removal, or the anti-virus program may not get live updates on what the latest virus definitions are.

While the information for removing a virus from your PC is usually readily available with a quick search on the Internet, it may not be easy. Also, depending on what is infecting your PC, you may not be able to get onto the Internet. In these cases, opting for an anti-virus program that includes removal and quarantine tools will make your life a lot easier. Instead of just being told that a virus threat has been detected, the program will also take the appropriate steps to remove it from your machine so no damage can occur.

Finally, programs that receive live updates of the latest virus definitions will be able to tackle the latest viruses to hit PCs. Programs that do not have these updates may not be able to remove a program that it recognizes as a virus if it doesn’t have the information. Even worse is the fact that the anti-virus program may not even recognize the threat. Many free anti-virus programs have updates, but it is up to the user to maintain the latest edition of the program. By choosing one that updates itself, this responsibility is taken out of your hands, and will in the long run make your PC more secure.