Program/file sector virus

The program or file sector virus is a virus that infects the executable programs and files of its storage device. The program sector refers to the reserved disk space to store instructions and executable codes required to run a computer program.

The file sector is the dedicated space allocated to store a file's content when its created. The virus infects the system when the file or program containing the malicious payload is executed.

Propagation of the virus

The program/file sector virus can spread through many sources. The use of these sources increases the system's susceptibility to malware infections. Here are some such sources:

1. Spam messages or emails with malicious attachments

2. External drive with malicious files

3. Attachments with downloads

4. Drive-by downloadsAutomatic download of malicious software without the consent of the user from malicious sites

5. Spread through the network

6. MalvertisingMalicious advertisement: provocative advertisements having malicious download links.

This virus attacks the system and infects other files within it. The program/file virus is scripted to infect a particular directory or a particular type of file.

Vulnerabilities to exploit

The program/file sector virus looks for systems with certain vulnerabilities and designs payloads to target those vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities include:

1. Outdated software or OS: Older versions of operating systems have unpatched vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

2. Only static anti-viruses: Static anti-viruses can't detect anomalies by new viruses.

3. Autostart programs: A virus placed in autostart programs launches after the computer boots up.

4. Insecure network connections: The traffic from the network can be malicious.

5. Pirated software: Unauthentic software can have malicious links attached.

6. Employees: Scam emails and messages opened by employees can have malicious attachments.

7. Insecure network connections: Unprotected networks are a common source of malicious traffic. This traffic can overwhelm the system or infect it to cause damage.

The danger of the virus

The program/file sector virus can expose the system to data loss and disruption, operation disruption, and process modification. The virus can potentially spread by infecting further files and program executables within the system. Furthermore, it has the potential to spread over the network to other systems and cause damage. The image below shows potential threats caused by the virus.

Modern antivirus and anti-malware techniques aim to detect and prevent the damage associated with these viruses. However, with that, the viruses are also modified. Viruses use the obfuscation technique to hide their code and true intent in such ways that make it difficult to detect for anti-malware software and researchers. Obfuscation adds a protective layer on top of the virus and makes altered copies after a fixed amount of time.

Preventive measures

Preventing the file and program sector virus requires various steps to reduce the associated damage successfully. Using the following measures in your system can help protect the system from malicious attacks. Here are listed the important controls to ensure the protection of your system:

• Updated anti-virus and anti-malware

• Safe downloads from web-browser extension

• Scanning external drives

• Anti-ads web-browser extension

• Updated operating system

• Authentic software

• Safe network connection

• Disabled auto-run feature

• Updated software

• SSL secure website

• Social engineering awareness sessions

• Limited software privilege

Users can take these preventive measures to ensure system security and a safe working environment.