Businesses of all sizes need to be conscious of computer viruses and take steps to ensure your devices remain virus-free. Viruses can affect your computer in a number of different ways but all of them cause significant disruption and can put your data at risk. This post runs through some of the most common viruses so you know how to spot them and when to take virus removal steps.

Browser hijacking

This type of virus takes over your browser settings, redirecting you to a website you aren’t intending to visit and sometimes taking over your default homepage. These viruses can be highly disruptive and intrusive and are usually caused by a software developer forcing their software in an unauthorised way onto your browser.

Infecting files

Viruses that infect files will damage the formatting of your hard drive by attaching themselves to code. This computer virus spreads easily – once it has infected a file, it can then spread to other programs and networks that use that file. These viruses can cause permanent damage and render your files unusable – this has serious consequences for business data.

Macro viruses

Macro viruses are easily spread between different users through documents such as Microsoft Word or Excel files. When an infected file is sent to another user via email and they then download it, the virus infects their device.

Web scripting viruses

This type of virus bypasses your computer’s security measures and is commonly found on social media platforms. This helps it to spread rapidly. Web scripting viruses steal confidential information from your device, modify your browser in a similar way to browser hijacking viruses and can make your computer run slowly.

Antivirus set up and tech support

Fortunately, there is plenty of quality antivirus software available to help protect your device. If you need help with virus removal, choose specialist IT services. Rapid IT are computer support experts who can support you at the click of a button. We provide a range of services including antivirus set up, virus removal, and a huge range of other tech support services. Read more about how it works or submit a ticket to request IT support now.