A virus is a type of malicious software program (malware), which aims to spread itself by copying itself onto other computers or networks in its bid to infect others. Like other malware, viruses are usually designed to damage or disrupt systems. Viruses usually start working once executed by an authorised user or process, and subsequently start to affect the system as well as attempt to spread themselves.
Viruses can exist on any type of operating system, and also on tablets, smartphones, and IoT gadgets.
Last updated: 3 September 2017