What is the most dangerous computer virus and why?

The most dangerous computer virus is the WannaCry ransomware virus. It is a ransomware cryptoworm that targets computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. It encrypts files with a 256-bit key, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment of $300 to $600 in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin in order to decrypt the files. The WannaCry virus attacks by exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. This allows it to spread quickly and infect computers on the same network, as well as those that have unpatched versions of the SMB protocol. WannaCry has caused considerable damage, with estimates of the cost of cleanup and recovery ranging from $4 billion to $8 billion.
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What are the most effective methods for preventing computer viruses?

There is no single answer to this question as different viruses require different countermeasures. In general, however, the most effective methods for preventing computer viruses include installing and maintaining antivirus software, keeping operating system and software up-to-date, avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments, and backing up important data.

Installing and maintaining antivirus software is perhaps the most important step in preventing viruses, as this software is designed specifically to detect and remove malware. It is important to keep the antivirus software up-to-date, as new viruses are constantly being released. Many antivirus programs offer automatic updates, making it easy to stay protected.

In addition to antivirus software, keeping operating system and software up-to-date is important. Operating system updates often include security patches that can close vulnerabilities that malicious software can exploit. Similarly, software updates may close security holes that have been discovered. It is important to install these updates as soon as they are released.

Another important virus prevention measure is avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments. Many viruses are spread through malicious websites that trick users into downloading and installing them. Email attachments are also a common vector for virus infection. It is important to be cautious when downloading anything from the Internet, especially if it is from an unfamiliar source.

Finally, backing up important data is a good idea in case a virus does manage to sneak past the other defenses. This way, if data is lost, it can be restored from the backup. There are many different ways to back up data, such as using an external hard drive, a cloud-based storage service, or a traditional tape backup.

By following these guidelines, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of becoming infected with a computer virus.

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