Protecting Your Computer

Viruses Explained
Essential Information
A computer virus is a lot like a human one. It is an infection
that gets into your computer and damages it. Viruses can
enter your computer in many ways such as by e-mail or
when downloading files from the Internet. They then
spread by forwarding themselves to other people online.
Some viruses cause minor damage but can be easily
removed with the right tools. Others can really mess up
your computer.
Hackers
Hackers are individuals, often criminals, who gain access
to your computer without your permission. Often they’ll
gain access using a virus. Most viruses are anonymous,
meaning that they infect your computer but cannot
personally identify you. But if a hacker’s virus infects your
computer, it can allow the hacker to spy on what you are
doing or access your private files.
What Can Happen to Your Computer?
Here are a few examples of what might happen if your
computer is infected by a virus or targeted by a hacker:
Your computer gets corrupted preventing you from
using essential software or accessing the Internet.
• The virus automatically sends itself to everyone in
your e-mail address book, infecting your friends as
well as you.
• You might accidentally download a hacker’s
monitoring software that records your Internet and
password activity. A hacker can then easily assume
your identity or access your online bank.
• Your computer is used to attack other
computers or organisations via the Internet without
your knowledge.