Where Computer Viruses Are Located
We will review the different locations on your computer where viruses commonly reside. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, however it does examine the most common locations where viruses are hidden. If you have viruses that are being passed back and forth in your computer network and you suspect they have infiltrated your server, then it is advisable for you to seek the assistance of a person with a masters degree in information security.
Startup folder – This is a common and logical residence for many viruses. Windows opens each item that is in the start menu’s start up folder. This folder is prominent in the programs folder of the start menu. Take note, we didn’t say that windows executes every program that is listed in the startup folder. I mentioned that it “opens” every item.” There’s an important difference. Programs represented in the start up folder will run. But you can have shortcuts in the start up folder that represents documents, not programs. As an example, if a Microsoft power point document is in the start up folder, power point will automatically open that document during system initialization. If you put a WAV file there, your audio software will play the music at initialization, and if you put a web-page favorites there, your default web browser will run and open that web page for you when the computer starts up.
The Microsoft windows registry. Viruses can are often hidden in the registry as well. Windows executes all instructions in the “Run” section of the windows registry. Items in the “Run” section can be programs or files that programs open . Windows executes all instructions in the “RunServices” section of the Registry.
Batch file viruses. Viruses are sometimes inserted into a batch file that often executes when the operating system is first started. Windows will execute all instructions that are in the windows start batch file, which is located in the windows folder. The full filename is ” WINSTART.BAT”. This file does not exist on all computers, but when it does it is a great hiding place for viruses.
Designers of viruses are becoming increasingly clever. Viruses can represent an onerous danger and be difficult to identify when they are resident on a server and are disseminated throughout an organization via its intranet. In this case, you may need someone with a information security masters degree to assist you. If these malicious viruses are not quarantined in a hurry, they can compromise secure data stored on your computer. This is often the goal of the perpetrator. Sensitive customer data, such as credit card accounts and social security numbers are prime targets.
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Author: DavidWolf
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