A computer virus is a form of malicious software that piggybacks onto legitimate application code in order to spread and reproduce itself.

From macro viruses and boot sector viruses to droppers and packers, here’s a look at 9 common virus types, what they do, and the function they perform for attackers.

Worms and viruses require slightly different protection mechanisms because of their different propagation methods. A virus scanner operates by searching for the signatures of known viruses.

Screenshot of a computer infected with the AIDS virus (released circa 1990). Trlkly/Wikipedia, CC BY-NC-ND The interactions between malware, culture and history should not be lost.

These computer viruses and system vulnerabilities are the best at what they do: breaking stuff. But how did these terrors get their names? There is not one standardized way to name a viruses.

Viruses have been known to cause system changes that affect external hardware and accessories. Computer operating by itself Computers should not be executing demands without authorisation.

Unlike viruses, worms do not have to attach themselves to a program in your computer, and may not damage files on an infected computer.

Everything we learned about computer viruses from '90s films Throw on some thick-framed glasses and let's decode the world of cybersecurity through your favourite movies.