Computer Viruses and Malware

Computer viruses are bad programs that can hurt your computer. Malware is a word for all kinds of harmful software. These bad programs can delete files or slow down your computer. Antivirus software helps protect against them.

Types of Malware

A virus copies itself and spreads to other computers. A worm travels through networks all by itself. Spyware secretly watches what you do on your computer. Ransomware locks your files and demands money to unlock them. All of these are types of malware.

How to Stay Protected

Antivirus software scans your computer for bad programs. Keep your antivirus software up to date. Do not download files from websites you do not trust. Never open email attachments from strangers. Ask a parent or teacher before installing anything new.

Fun Facts

• The first computer virus, called Brain, was created in Pakistan in 1986.
• One famous virus called ILOVEYOU spread to millions of computers in the year 2000.
• Antivirus programs check millions of files to find just one virus.

Did You Know?

Computer viruses got their name because they spread from computer to computer, just like a real virus spreads from person to person!