What Is the Patch Virus?

A patch virus is sent in an email from fake companies using trusted names.

It is important to keep up computer security, as computer hackers are very creative in finding ways to get their viruses into victims' computers. The patch virus is a popular method for gaining access.

Significance

The effectiveness of the patch virus comes from the fact that it arrives in email that purports to be from legitimate companies that the recipient trusts, like Microsoft, HP or Adobe. The files included are supposed to be patches to fix certain security or functional problems. When the files are opened, the computer is exposed.

Types

There are many types and variations of the patch virus. The most common is just plain spyware. Some of the patches are vicious forms of malware and have various negative effects on the computer system. There are forms of the virus that are meant to crash the system or erase files.

Effects

The effects of the patch virus vary considerably. The most common effect is a slowdown in processing speed. The virus may also give remote access to the computer, capture passwords or even delete files. In some instances, these viruses can even crash an entire system.

References

• Hoax-slayer.com: Fake Microsoft Security Patch Emails
• Symatic.com: W32.Swen.A@mm
• Techguy.com: fake Microsoft security patch virus emails