Hi all,
When a computer is infected by malware, can that malware damage the non OS files or only damage the OS files? For example, someone may have thousands of various files in folders in drives of HDD, when his/her computer in infected by malware, is it possible that those personal files (such as music, picture, videos, ...) to be infected?
Thanks.
I recall a few years ago there was malware that deleted certain file extensions such as .mp3 files. So to answer your question I would say yes, it can effect certain file types depending on the malware in question.
These things are rare.
Files are infected by viruses ( aka file infectors) and not regular malware. They are less common, and they can infect .exe. .sys, .com, .dll, .pif files (most other files can't be launched thus are of no use for viruses).
There are specific ransomwares, that encrypt documents or images on disk.
There are ones that delete or corrupt files just for kick, but they are even more rare.
The most popular ones that are similar to ones you describe are trojans using double extensions : .jpg.exe or similar.
Some nastier ones can disable any security program on a PC so it can't detect the infection. In Control panel/Folder options/ View I uncheck "Hide extensions for know files trype" then the double extension like gied mentioned, ex: jpg.exe will be seen.
Here is the way I look at it.
1. Never under estimate the ability of the bad guys.
2. The bad guys can create a infection to do just about anything and attach it to just about anything.
3. Don't assume a infections is located in only one place in your system.
4. Some infection are wrote to only hold the back door of your computer open to let all their little buddies in to do their damage.
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Example:
I helped a fellow member a long time ago that had a picture infected. He chose several pictures for a screen saver to cycle every so many seconds. When it landed on that infected picture all kinds of bad things happened.
khoshtipi,
Malware can damage all sorts of files, depending on how the malware operates. It can also infect the computer's Master Boot Record.When a computer is infected by malware, can that malware damage the non OS files or only damage the OS files?
We have no specific information, so, we can only speculate.
On the computer with the issue, did the AntiVirus program detect an infection?
Do you have a report of what malware was found?
Malware can be near anything it want's to be. It all depends on the person who makes it. Also these day's god knows what it can do: This might help you understand more Malware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Can you provide a screenshot of the viruses found?
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