The Impact of Computer Viruses on Business and Users - Essay Example

The Impact of Computer Viruses on Business and User” Introduction: Computers follow a fixed pattern and systematic way to carry out its operations. The computers work on the commands and instructions given to them in the binary codes by the operating systems. Computers are incapable of amending the logical errors or mistakes by itself. The programs that are being run on computers are hence, carefully designed and originated. The software follows a number of checks to affirm the quality and functionality of the program. The set rules and patterns that a computer follows are disrupted by the viruses that interrupt in the computer’s normal operations. Computer viruses, hence, act as a hurdle in the computer’s intended operations. These viruses may badly affect the functions of computer’s input and output devices like the appearance and display of monitor, keyboard functions and mouse navigations. Loss of files, unusual changes in computer operations, slow functions performed by the computer and corrupted files are also the indication of viruses in the computer system. The viruses that affect the whole functions or memory of the computer are, of course, posing a threat to the data stored in the computer system. The businesses, educational institutions, domestic users and other organizations which are using computers for their routine work are greatly affected by the viruses and their outcomes on the computer data. This paper aims to analyze the effects of computer viruses on businesses and home users. The impact of computer viruses on business and user Businesses have massive amounts of data to be stored. The recent technologically equipped and advanced age, leave back the old paper work and hardcopy storage mediums. More of the data, nowadays, is stored in the computers and other electronic mediums like magnetic tapes, compact discs and USB devices. The viruses that enter in the computers of business organizations pose a great threat to the data stored in those computer systems. Businesses use computers to store the daily transactions and use them for checking and finalizing accounts at the end of the accounting period or as set by the company’s policies. The viruses are, hence, risky for the company’s financial performance measurement as well as for the important data about the customers, employees and company’s plans. The viruses that enter the computer multiply them by created and spreading in each section of the system. An example of such a virus is the ILOVEYOU virus which started from Philippines and gradually infected many computers around the globe. The virus was initially transferred via electronic emails and who ever opened the attached file welcomed the virus in their computers. This virus corrupted many files in the computers and produced massive costs for the businesses to recover or regenerate that important data (Science news, 2000). Recent incidents in the internet world have shown the trends of internet crimes to be increasing. The information on internet crimes and information misuse is no longer limited to the businesses’ data corruption or loss. The viruses are now being used to steal people’s bank details and use their bank balance for personal expenses. The virus designers have now used tactics to gather the login and account details of people’s bank accounts using the virus programs (My finance, 2005). The malware and Trojan horses let the criminals access people’s account. Like the developments in other areas, viruses are also being upgraded. The viruses are getting more and more vulnerable. For instance, the new Trojan horse URLzone is a perfect example. This new virus has the ability to steal small amounts of cash on daily basis. This virus also senses if someone tries to detect it and protects itself by creating fake mules. Hence, this virus is not only dangerous for the bank accounts but is also posing a threat in being identified and exterminated (Perrya). Viruses are dangerous for the information that is stored in the computer systems and are also dangerous for the people to whom that infected computer system transfers data or information. The emails, messages, data and files that are being transferred from an infected computer system also transfer the virus. Hence, once the virus enters a computer system, other computers connected to that particular computer are also at a great risk of being infected. Businesses which require a lot of information to be transferred and shared within and outside the organization are hence, highly risky of being infected by the viruses. The viruses may discontinue the operations of a business, particularly the e-business operations, once attack the host computer system. An example of this is the discontinuation of online tickets sales by an international airline for the fact that their computers contained worms which disrupted the operations and were risky for other computers (Moores, 2006). Knowing the possible risks that viruses bring, it is important to take necessary steps and avoid them. The businesses are equally affected by viruses as other users. It is hence, important to understand the possible ways to combat computer viruses and internet criminals. There are many ways to cope up with these issues. However, it is important to understand the nature of security which is needed. For instance, in order to avoid online banking crimes, an easier way is to use Linux machine and a distinct browser like Firefox. It is an observable fact that most viruses attack windows and it is easier to trick them using Linux machines. Similarly, in order to avoid damage to personal data and information, virus protection programs may be used. For the ordinary use, like for students and home users, virus protection programs are a better and cheap way to combat viruses. These antiviruses include Kaspersky, Norton, AVG etc. (Perrya). Each of these antivirus programs are useful and at time multiple programs provide better protection against viruses. Hence, there is a need to analyze the protection requirements and the security areas available in the antivirus programs. The programs that fulfil the security needs should then be adopted to reduce and further eliminate the risk of virus attacks. Individuals who use computers for their personal operations and work are also at a great risk of virus attacks. Viruses are normally transferred to such users via spam mails and websites (Greek, 2004). Users who are not aware of the risks associated with viruses get trapped more often. Those who do not have sufficient knowledge of the virus protection software, hence, end up infecting their computer systems. Such users, afterwards, get worried and exhausted troubleshooting the increasing problems they face with their computers. The functions of the computer and its operations start creating troubles. They take different steps to save their data from being corrupted or deleted. Once they identify that their computer is infected by a virus they get more anxious to resolve the issues. The use of online virus detecting services also poses a threat to their data and computer functionality. Nowadays, most of the population using computer systems are aware of the virus threats and hence, are more conscious in downloading files, visiting unauthenticated websites and accepting files from unknown people. People are now more worries for the protection and security of their personal and private data. E-mail messages and files are the most common way to spread viruses. Virus programs generate auto emails to spread around the world with speed and flexibility. Hence, in order to avoid e-mail security threats, a number of internet security software are also designed. Norton internet security helps in reducing the internet viruses from attacking a computer system. Similarly, Boston Private Bank introduced a secure email service to operate under supervision. This service provided a secure working and information transferring medium for the delivery and communication of confidential data. After introducing this service, the bank hence, is now able to provide a secure interface for the bank and its clients to communicate and deal properly. Conclusion: In the modern age, computers have taken the responsibility of storing large amounts of data and information. People use computers, not only to communicate but also to transfer and share important, confidential data. The virus programs which are getting more and more popularity for their risks and threats are highly important to be considered when storing confidential information. The banks and business websites are being used by the virus designers to satisfy their needs. Such viruses have been detected which steal the login details of confidential websites and account information required to access a bank account. These viruses process the bank accounts and other website accounts to steal money and information. Viruses are now being designed in such a tactical manner that as the antivirus detects them they start concealing themselves in different accounts. Hence, viruses are getting more and more dangerous for the security of online and softcopy information. These viruses do not only harm the confidentiality but also pose a risk to the hardware of the computer. These viruses may also affect the functioning manner and display of the computer. In order to get rid of the risks associated with viruses a number of virus detecting software are now available for the users as well as businesses. The main theme is to identify the protection needs of the computer and find an appropriate antivirus program which would lead to greater protection. Bibliography: Nutt., Amy. (2009, August 26). Computer Viruses and the Negative Impact on Business The Free Library. (2009). Retrieved August 29, 2010 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Computer Viruses and the Negative Impact on Business-a01073978366 "Love bug" lessons - effects of computer viruses on technology - Brief Article. Science News. May 27 2000. Read More