Computer viruses Vs the Common flu: How are they similar?

Transmission

There are many ways malware can infect your device, the most commonly known method is downloading files from untrustworthy sources such websites, removable storage devices and emails. What underlies all of these interactions is that your device taking something into it's system, such as a file, where it can wreak havoc. 

This idea of something harmful entering a system can be seen in the transmission of viruses between organisms. There is a point of direct or indirect contact between organisms that allows viruses to hop from one organism to another and cause infection. For example, through contact with infected surfaces, airborne particles or food. In these examples you are unknowingly taking a virus in and introducing it to your body where it can cause harm.

In both scenarios, it is not known that a virus has entered the body (or malware has entered the device) until detected.

Harm caused by these viruses are similar

Computer viruses cause harm by replicating themselves on your computer's hard drive. As well as this, it can infect software and modify and delete data which affects how the computer works. This results in:

• Corrupted files 
• Slow performance
• Failure/Malfunction of programs and apps
• Overuse of the hard drive

In general, it's as if your device has fallen ill and is struggling to do what it does best.

Similarly, the harm caused by viruses such as the flu is due to their replication. Viruses replicate in your body's cells to a point where the cells burst. This kills cells, affecting the body's function depending on the type of cell. Viruses also impact the function of cells. 

Detection

Both malware and viruses have ways of hiding and evading detection. Malware hides in files labelled as something different in order to avoid suspicion from unaware victims downloading them. Viruses invade and hide in cells where they can reproduce.

Anti-malware software is like your computer's immune system. It is able to detect and quarantine viruses that can cause damage to your device. 

Similarly, phagocytes can isolate pathogens by engulfing them. Both phagocytes and anti-malware software can then destroy the quarantined viruses to prevent further harm.

In summary, both computer viruses and biological viruses have similarities. The metaphor of naming these computer programs "viruses" was inspired by the similarities between these programs and real life viruses. The more you know!