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Slow down email. Viruses that spread by email, such as Sobig, can generate so much email traffic that servers slow down or crash. Even if this doesn't happen, companies may react to the risk by shutting down servers anyway. ■ Steal confidential data. The Bugbear-D worm records the user's keystrokes, including passwords, and gives the virus writer access to them. ■ Use your computer to attack websites. MyDoom used infected computers to flood the SCO software company's website with data, making the site unusable (a denial of service attack). ■ Let other users hijack your computer. Some viruses place "backdoor Trojans" on the computer, allowing the virus writer to connect to your computer and use it for their own purposes. ■ Corrupt data. The Compatable virus makes changes to the data in Excel spreadsheets. ■ Delete data. The Sircam worm may attempt to delete or overwrite the hard disk on a certain day. ■ Disable hardware. CIH, also known as Chernobyl, attempts to overwrite the BIOS chip on April 26, making the computer unusable. ■ Play pranks. The Netsky-D worm made computers beep sporadically for several hours one morning. ■ Display messages. Cone-Fdisplays a political message if the month is May. ■ Damage your credibility. If a virus forwards itself from your computer to your customers and business partners, they may refuse to do business with you, or demand compensation. ■ Cause you embarrassment. For example, PolyPost places your documents and your name on sexrelated newsgroups. source: www.Sophos.com

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15y ago
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16y ago

Possible risks include:

* Infection of data * Destruction of data * Using your computer as a server to spread the virus to others * Opening ports which could allow hackers to access your PC * Could allow for installation of further software which could steal your personal details or it could steal your personal details itself. The list goes on...

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Q: What harmful things could computer viruses do?
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