Final answer:
Computer viruses can infect digital devices through methods like malicious email attachments, infected file downloads, and exploiting software vulnerabilities. They target specific operating systems or environments, causing harm such as data corruption, information theft, and system failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Computer Viruses Can Infect a Digital Device
Computer viruses are malicious software programs designed to cause harm to digital devices. They can infect a device in multiple ways. Hackers use diverse methods to introduce viruses into systems, such as by breaking into websites, enticing users to click on harmful links, or through social engineering where individuals are tricked into giving out sensitive information. Once a device is infected, the virus can propagate, causing a range of harmful effects, including stealing personal information, corrupting data, or even taking control of the device.
Viruses have specific host ranges, and this applies to computer viruses as well—they tend to target specific operating systems or software environments. Despite a wide range of targets, these viruses are commonly spread via email attachments, downloading infected files, or through network connections. The symptoms of viral infections in devices can range from slow performance to complete system failure, and they necessitate the use of antivirus software for protection and removal.
Similar to biological viruses that only infect certain host cells, computer viruses infect specific types of systems. And just as viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages) have unique attributes, computer viruses are often tailored to exploit particular vulnerabilities in software and hardware. Effective cybersecurity measures are essential for preventing virus infections and for mitigating their impact on infected systems.