Q&A for How to Get a Computer Virus

Gmail itself can't cause a virus, but if you open a shady email (most likely, most of the ones in your spam folder) and click a link in it, you can get infected with a virus.

Most ads are full of malware, adware and trackers. This is one of the easiest ways to get a virus on your computer.

Although viruses can infect your device via WiFi, It is extremely unlikely that a WiFi router could get a computer virus. Even though it is rare, it is important to update your firmware to prevent this from happening. Your WiFi can, however, be modified by hackers if they know or guessed the password.

No. Not at all. The purpose of a virus is to wreck havok or earn money off of you.

Non-updated software has security issues (ab)used by some malware. Updated versions often fix those issues.

Yes, viruses have been written to target tablets and phones. Check the app store for your device to find suitable virus scanning/protection software, most of which is free.

Download malware-bytes or any other anti-virus program. If you're running a scan and it shuts down and you can't open it up again you probably have a rootkit. There are some ways you can bypass that, but it's easiest to just reinstall Windows (if you're using Windows).

Yes, even iOS devices can get viruses, although it is rare. Androids are usually targeted more because Android devices allow you to install apps anywhere. Just disable unknown sources, and you'll increase your security tenfold. To be really safe, get a good antivirus like ESET for free to scan apps from the Play Store.

You can easily block viruses from entering your computer system by installing antivirus software and being mindful about what email attachments and files you open (even if they are from friends). Also, don't click on any shady ads, which are another way viruses can infect your computer.

Wherever there might be one planted. In an app. On a public internet connection. On a website. The question should rather be where can you not get a virus.

If the online game is downloaded to your computer. If the game presents a link and you click on it, you can receive a virus.

You can visit the IKARUS website, where they provide the link for a harmless sample virus.

Yes.

Search for antivirus software using a search engine. Read reviews of the software and choose one that seems reliable and effective. Although there are many safe and free antiviruses, free software generally comes with higher risk. Some good antivirus software includes Webroot, AVG, Avast, and Kaspersky. If you are installing an antivirus, make sure you are downloading/buying it from the official website of the company, not any external site. Also make sure that you install the right version for your operating system (i.e., Windows or OS).

Yes, as long as it is connected to the internet. If your car is hooked up to your phone, viruses can enter it, even if they don't infect your phone, or your phone has virus protection. Car viruses are surprisingly common.

The safest virus you can get is the EICAR test file. You can get it at eicar.org.

First of all, do note this is illegal unless done for testing and research purposes. You can use a Metasploit exploit that targets Android (Metasploit is a very large collection of exploits used to hack almost any OS). Not sure of any iOS exploits. Metasploit is included in Kali Linux, a Linux distribution targeted for hackers. To get the information you are looking for, use Google. Once again, I do not endorse hacking devices unless it is for testing and research purposes.

Because you won't be able to get a virus if you enable antivirus.

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Reset your phone. To do so on Android, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset options and choose the appropriate option.

Computer viruses are not at all like human viruses; they are only named so because they can be spread from computer to computer via the internet, servers, or other means.

Try the methods in Clean an Infected PC .

Windows Defender is good enough for most people's needs. It detects the majority of viruses, and it comes installed by default on Windows 10.

Some people may want to download a virus for research purposes, or they are trying to perform an anti-virus software test. Also, some people want to make YouTube videos of some viruses that could be considered "cool". There are countless other reasons why someone would want to get a computer virus.