vi·rus
/ˈvīrəs/
noun
a piece of code that is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data
Viruses are often spread by email, either by someone forwarding an infected document to another user or by self-propagating, automatically sending email to everyone in the infected computers address book. Viruses can erase data or interrupt the computer’s operating system.
Malware is malicious software designed to destroy or capture information on the computer without the owner knowing. It is usually attached to an email or software. It can also infect a device through fake app downloads and Wi-Fi spoofing.
Safety Tips
- Don’t insert unfamiliar USB drives.
- Turn on automatic updates. Here are some guides on how to allow automatic updates on popular devices:
- Practice email safety.
What To Do If You’re a Victim
If you suspect that your device has a virus, contact the Information Security Office immediately at infosec@wustl.edu or 314-747-2955.