File Infector Virus: How it Works and How To Protect Yourself

Key Points

• This virus can be contacted when you visit compromised web pages or open infected emails. Infected videos or photos may also pose a risk when downloaded from insecure sites.
• The virus often targets .exe files and is capable of reformatting the hard drive completely in severe cases.
• Common symptoms include low memory space owing to the duplication of the virus, the opening of unexpected applications, and prolonged response times.

The File Infector Virus is the most common computer virus, maliciously designed to infect executable files in a computer system. The virus can duplicate itself and spread to other files on the computer. The file infector virus is not to be messed with as it does not only infect computer files, it can damage them permanently, rendering them unusable. 

The virus is designed to overwrite code or insert infected code into an executable file and sometimes infect the operating system’s core files. There are many ways your computer can get this infector file virus. More often than not, it happens when movies, photos, and games are downloaded from untrusted sites. Also, you can get them through emails and web pages that were unsolicited and compromised.

How the File Infector Virus Spreads

File infectors are the most common virus, and they’re very deadly in their operation. Files with .exe extensions are the main targets of this virus. A file Infector virus can spread when a user tries to execute files or open an infected file. In severe cases, after infecting a system, the file Infector virus reformats the hard drive entirely. 

This virus can attach itself to the beginning, middle, or end of executable files. It creates duplicates of its code and spread to other files in the computer system. For example, the Cleevix virus infects all portable executable files within the system’s directory. Once the infected file gets executed, it sends a message that alerts the user that your files are infected. 

File infectors can copy their codes at the end or beginning of an executable file. When the virus inserts its code to the end of the host file, it is called prepending virus. If the virus code is inserted at the beginning of the host files, it is called an appending virus. 

Other common infector viruses are Cascade and Jerusalem, which threaten the files on your device. The file infector virus may inadvertently damage extensions like Jpg. File infector virus is highly notorious for threatening your files from being permanently wiped out. 

Signs + Symptoms

What are the signs of the File Infector Virus? There are many ways your computer can get the infector file virus. More often than not, it’s through movies, photos, and games It can also happen through emails and web pages that are unsolicited and compromised. 

Here are a few signs to help you detect a file infector virus:

• Slow computer operation: Once your system takes too long to open programs, it’s likely infected. Sometimes, your computer may freeze and not respond for a few seconds or even a few minutes. If that’s the case, it may have been infected with a file Infector virus. To confirm your doubts, restart your device. If the computer is still lagging, your files may have been infected by a virus. 
• Unexpected applications popping up: Your device is likely to be infected by this virus if it constantly opens applications and software you did not download. It implies that your file is corrupted and your device is not functioning correctly.
• Automatic restart and shutting down of programs: This is one common effect of the file Infector virus: programs shut down and restart automatically. 
• Constant Error Messages: You may receive constant error notifications on your computer. Depending on the virus, you might receive multiple error messages simultaneously. 
• Random noises: Does your device seem to give a bell noise that you can’t control? Then it’s probably infected by the virus. 
• Low Memory Space: Suddenly, your hard drive is full, and saying it has no space left. This is essentially what file infector viruses do — they replicate themselves and fill up the space in your hard drive, thereby making space unavailable.

The Dangers of the File Infector Virus

File infectors can be dangerous because they damage files and render them non-functional. Additionally, some file infector viruses hide by changing their code with each infection spread; these are called metamorphic or polymorphic viruses. Virat, for example, affects .exe or .scr files on the computer. As it replicates, it begins to download more malicious files to your computer. 

Also, some file infectors (such as Expiro) have encrypted code. As they work their malicious magic, they insert a different code into each file. The virus gives access to control your devices, and reveals sensitive information like the your login credentials.

I have the File Infector Virus. What Should I do?

The file Infector virus can cause permanent damage to files by infecting and replicating itself to other files. Once you turn on your computer and the virus codes start running, it multiplies its code and applies it to the other executable applications on the device. 

There are preventive steps to identify and terminate the operation of an infector virus. The following are four things to do when you suspect a virus is on your computer:

• Download a reliable Antivirus program: This program will help you detect viruses and remove them from your device. You can download free and paid antivirus software online.
• Regular Activity Check: This is to identify any activity in your system, including any activity that’s fraudulent. You can download an activity monitor on your device to pinpoint any programs that are currently running on your software. Once you see a strange program running on your device, terminate the operation instantly and delete the program. 
• File and System Backup: You can only recover files you have backed up. So, it is advisable that you do occasional (or even frequent) system backups. Also, update your computer operating system regularly.
• Reformat the system disk and rebuild from scratch by reinstalling windows and downloading new applications. 

What’s the Best Antivirus Software?

Although most computers come with a built-in antivirus like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it doesn’t suffice for all types of attacks. All Windows devices need antivirus software to keep them from file Infector viruses. While some antivirus software offers free programs, some require purchase — and they’re highly effective. One of the most effective and best antivirus software options of 2022 is Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software. It has excellent features, including unlimited VPN service, LifeLock identity protection, identity theft protection, and parental controls.

Up Next…

Are you interested in learning about other computer viruses? Check out the articles provided below:

• What Is a Computer Virus, and What Are the Different Types? Like their biological counterparts, they infect their hosts, and can be transmitted to others. Except that in this case, they infect computers. Find out what they truly are and how many varieties exist in this article.
• Resident Virus: How They Work, and How to Protect Yourself: It is capable of infiltrating your drive, and compromising any others attached to it. Find out all you need to know about it right here.
• Boot Sector Virus: How They Work, and How to Protect Yourself: Now something of a rarity, this virus hearkens back to the days when floppy discs were used to start computers. We reveal its source, its effects, and preventive measures against it.