What Kind of Computer Virus Causes Multiple Pop-Up Windows to Appear on Screen?
Given the amount of time we typically spend at our computers each day, virus symptoms that start as a simple annoyance can become an all-out vexation. While some viruses can destroy your life by stealing your important documents and passwords, others bug you my slowing down your computer with pop-up windows. The two most common virus types with these symptoms are Trojans and worms.
Other People Are Reading
-
Trojan Viruses
-
A Trojan horse virus, named after the mythological Greek Trojan horse, refers to a type of virus that comes in an enticing package which, when unwrapped, leads to malicious consequences. Trojans typically require a user's consent before they fully unleash themselves.
Appearance
-
The most common Trojan horses appear on computers as virus-prevention services. In many cases, including the prevalent Win32 Trojan, they appear and claim to have detected a virus; once you agree to install their software, hackers remotely interfere with your computer, leading to pop-ups and other more detrimental effects.
-
Worm Viruses
-
Worm viruses also can cause pop-ups to appear in great quantities. Generally, worm viruses work in a self-replicating manner, spreading both within a user's computer and across networks.
Worm Slow-Down
-
In addition to creating many pop-ups, worms move across networks very quickly and can cause massive slowdown and bandwidth allocation; thus, they are often hackers' weapons of choice when they attack companies and organizations. When viruses hit banks and email servers, worms often emerge as the culprit.
Preventing Pop-Ups
-
Running up-to-date virus software usually prevents users from installing viruses like Trojans and worms. By staying constantly connected to virus databases, antivirus software keeps your computer as safe as possible from attacks. Refrain from opening unexpected email attachments, clicking on links claiming to be from their bank, or clicking on an unfamiliar-looking pop-up that claims to have found a virus--but carries the name of an alleged antivirus utility that isn't the one you installed.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Virus image by Denis Makarov from Fotolia.com
