At this point, most people have come across the effects of computer viruses. You’ve most likely either had to deal with one, or you know someone who has. There are a lot of well-known effects of a computer virus, including data corruption, compromised security, or even the dreaded blue screen.

These are not the only ways that a virus can effect your computer. There are actually a few unseen effects a virus can have on your personal or business system that can be just as harmful as the more obvious ones. These hidden effects can cause viruses to linger on your system for much longer, increasing the amount of damage they can do over time.

To protect your computer, you need to be able to recognise some of the signs you’ve got a stealthy virus lurking on your hard drive. Stick around as we break down five effects of computer virus that often fly under the radar.

But before we get into some of the lesser-known effects, let’s establish what is and isn’t a virus.

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is software, just like any other program that your computer can run. The difference is that a virus is malicious, which is why it’s often referred to as ‘malware’ (a.k.a. malicious software). We tend to call them ‘viruses’ because they spread between systems or even self-replicate, just like the common cold.

The goal of a virus is to damage a computer’s system enough to cause major issues with how the device operates or even disrupt and steal the data stored in the computer’s memory.

Each virus is unique, just like there are unique strains of the common cold. This means each one can have a specific effect, depending on how it has been coded by its creator. This makes it hard to identify, but there are some common signs you can look for.

5 Unseen Effects of Computer Virus

Performance Degradation Over Time

When most people notice their devices slowing down, they put it down to aging hardware or heavy programs. But sometimes, this can happen as a result of a virus.

One of the main characteristics of a virus is that, while it runs in the background, it takes up a lot of processing power. This can cause a host of issues, such as slow load times, applications that won’t open or respond, or even your computer running hotter than it usually does. Unfortunately, these issues can come on so gradually that most people don’t even notice the change, leaving the virus to run free for much longer than is ideal.

Compromised Security for Your Other Devices

As we mentioned earlier, viruses got their name because they replicate by spreading between devices. If an infected computer, tablet, or phone is connected to a home Wi-Fi network or a hardwired network in an office, every other device on the network is suddenly at risk as well. In essence, it’s a domino effect.

Increased Risk of Identity Theft

The traditional image of a computer virus is something that locks you out of your computer or purges all of your files. But in the modern world, where our data is everything, more subtle viruses simply hang around in the background and track what you’re doing when you log on.

You might not notice this right away if you have something like a keylogging virus, which tracks keystrokes that allow attackers to log into important accounts. Viruses like these are a precursor to identity theft, which can create a lot of financial damage and stress.

Backdoor Creation for Future Attacks

One of the subtler effects of a computer virus is the installation of hidden ‘backdoors’. Some viruses are actually meant to just create a gateway for more severe ones, which can give malicious coders the opportunity to feed malware into a system.

These ‘backdoors’ are hard to spot. They can be temporarily resolved with a quick system clean-up, but they need to be closed properly by a virus removal specialist to remove vulnerabilities.

Decreased Trust in Your System

Finally, one of the biggest impacts a hidden computer virus can have on your life is affecting your peace of mind! Even after a system has been cleaned and secured, it’s hard to shake the sense that something is wrong.

On the other hand, this can inspire more vigilance. It’s important to find the balance between being careful and being relaxed, which can be helped by high-quality antivirus software and a practiced approach to cybersecurity.

The idea that your computer has opicked up a virus may be intimidating or overwhelming, but keeping your devices and your data safe is easy with the right guidance, and we’re here to help.

Need an IT guru to help with your antivirus protection? Talk to Computer Repairs Hamilton!

Are you concerned about your computer’s security? Get in touch with the team at Computer Repairs Hamilton. Our team of friendly tech experts is here to help you easily safeguard your computer against the latest threats.