Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses In 2025 You Must Know

• 31 August, 2025
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Introduction About Computer Viruses

To reduce the cyberattack rates and incidents, you need to work on identifying the latest cyber threats. For that, you can read about the Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses in 2025 here. We will talk about some types of viruses that can actually pose in great threat online.

Moreover, we will introduce you to a reputed & reliable VAPT service provider to offer you great cybersecurity services. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!

What is a Computer Virus?

Malicious programs called computer viruses are made to proliferate and move from one machine to another, frequently without the user’s awareness. They may result in file corruption, system performance lag, or other undesirable outcomes.

They must be activated by human action, like opening a file or starting software, in contrast to worms. Let’s talk about the “Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses in 2025!”

What Makes Modern Computer Viruses More Dangerous?

The following things make modern computer viruses more dangerous:

1. Financial Motivation: Modern viruses are frequently created with money in mind, which results in extremely complex and focused attacks like ransomware, in which the attacker demands payment in order to unlock data that has been taken.
2. Stealth and Evasion: Contemporary viruses employ sophisticated strategies, including polymorphism and fileless malware, to modify their code continuously or live in memory, making it challenging for conventional antivirus software to identify and eliminate them.
3. Exploiting Human Psychology: Human error is the main source of infection since viruses increasingly exploit social engineering and phishing to fool users into opening infected attachments or clicking on dangerous sites.
4. Targeted Attacks: Many viruses are being used in targeted attacks on certain people, businesses, or vital infrastructure to have the most possible impact rather than spreading randomly.
5. Widespread Connectivity: Due to the widespread usage of the Internet and connected devices (IoT), viruses and worms can spread quickly and autonomously without human intervention, thanks to the extensive and interconnected network they create.
6. Advanced Capabilities: A single infection can become a multifaceted threat since modern malware frequently combines several functions, such as collecting credentials (keyloggers), building botnets for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assaults, and spying on victims.

Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses in 2025

1. Ransomware

This threat is still very profitable and powerful. In addition to encrypting data, modern ransomware frequently employs “double” or “triple extortion” tactics, threatening to release the data publicly or initiate a DDoS attack if the ransom is not paid.

2. Fileless Malware

Because it doesn’t rely on conventional executable files, this kind of malware is becoming a bigger menace. It is extremely difficult for conventional antivirus software to detect since it operates in a computer’s memory and is executed using legitimate system programs like PowerShell.

3. AI-Driven Malware

AI and machine learning are being used more and more by cybercriminals to produce malware that is more intelligent and flexible.

4. Info-stealers (Information Stealers)

These viruses are more potent than ever because they can learn to avoid detection, create incredibly realistic phishing emails, and automate attacks.

These viruses are made to steal private information from compromised systems, including login passwords, bank account information, and personal information.

Because of their capacity to target particular data types and applications, strains like SnakeKeylogger and TeleGrab are well-liked.

5. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Less experienced cybercriminals can “rent” pre-made ransomware kits with dashboards and support thanks to this business model. The number and frequency of ransomware assaults have skyrocketed as a result.

6. Trojan Horse

Trojan horses continue to be the main way that other kinds of malware are distributed. To fool users into installing them, they pose as trustworthy or helpful software (such as a phony Windows update).

Once installed, they can steal data, open backdoors, or deliver other harmful payloads.

7. Botnet Malware

When computers are infected by this software, they become “bots” or “zombies,” a part of a wider network of compromised gadgets. This botnet can then be used by attackers to initiate extensive attacks, including spam campaigns, cryptocurrency mining, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) operations.

8. Spyware

Malware of this kind surreptitiously tracks user behavior. It can record microphone or webcam sounds, take screenshots, and log keystrokes to steal financial and personal data.

9. IoT Malware

Malware that targets Internet of Things (IoT) devices, especially has grown in importance as more of these devices, such as smart TVs, routers, and security cameras, become more common. This software can spy on users or exploit the gadgets to run botnets.

10. Cryptojackers

Without the user’s knowledge or consent, these malware mines bitcoin by taking over a computer’s electricity and computing capacity. They can significantly slow down a system and raise energy costs, but they are not as damaging as ransomware.

How Computer Viruses Spread in 2025?

In the following ways, computer viruses spread in 2025:

• Malicious Websites and Malvertising: Malicious ads (malvertising) that download malware to a user’s device automatically, and hacked or fraudulent websites are common ways for viruses to spread.
• Highly Sophisticated Phishing Campaigns: In order to fool consumers into downloading malicious documents or clicking on contaminated links, attackers utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to craft incredibly tailored and convincing phishing emails, social media messages, and SMS (smishing).
• Fileless and In-Memory Attacks: This technique, which makes up more than 40% of breaches, entails viruses “living off the land” by running directly in a computer’s memory and avoiding detection by never writing to the disk.
• Supply Chain Attacks: In order to propagate to thousands of consumers or businesses who utilize the compromised product, viruses are inserted into trustworthy software updates or third-party components.
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities and Zero-Days: Viruses stealthily infect devices before a patch is available by exploiting fresh and unidentified software vulnerabilities (zero-days) in operating systems, browsers, and applications.
• Third-Party and Peer-to-Peer Networks: Malware, which is frequently included with illegal software or media downloads, is mostly found on unofficial websites, torrent websites, and file-sharing networks.
• IoT and Network Spreading: Viruses take advantage of the lax security of Internet of Things devices (such as routers or smart cameras) to infiltrate a network and propagate to more devices linked to it, frequently creating enormous botnets.
• Infected External Media: Even though they are less frequent than internet-based techniques, viruses can nevertheless propagate via external hard drives or infected USB devices that start running automatically when a computer is connected to them.

Impact of Computer Viruses on Individuals and Businesses

Best Practices to Protect Against Computer Viruses in 2025

The following are the best practices to protect against computer viruses in 2025:

1. Use Advanced Security Software: To detect new and fileless malware, use cutting-edge, all-inclusive endpoint security packages that offer capabilities like behavioral analysis, real-time threat intelligence, and AI-driven detection in addition to standard antivirus software.
2. Keep Everything Updated: Install security patches and software updates on a regular basis for your operating system, web browsers, and all other apps to address security holes that viruses might take advantage of.
3. Practice Strong Password Hygiene: To prevent unwanted access even in the event that a password is stolen, use a different, complicated password for each account and make sure that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on all platforms.
4. Be Skeptical of Phishing: Never click on dubious links or download unexpected attachments, and always double-check the source of emails and messages. Instead, manually navigate to a website.
5. Implement a Zero Trust Framework: Follow the tenet of “never trust, always verify,” which states that all users, devices, and applications must be verified and authorized before they can access any resource, no matter where it is located.
6. Conduct Regular Security Training: To create a powerful human firewall, teach staff members and users how to spot phishing scams, social engineering techniques, and other online dangers.
7. Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP): Limit the possible harm of a hacked account by granting users and programs only the minimal access privileges and permissions required to carry out their particular duties.
8. Regularly Assess Vulnerabilities: Use automated tools and manual penetration tests to continuously scan and test your systems for security problems. This will help you find and fix issues before attackers can take advantage of them.

Future of Malware and Evolving Cybersecurity Trends

Malware’s evolving sophistication and use of AI to produce more individualized and evasive attacks, a departure from straightforward, pervasive threats, will determine its future. In order to lessen the impact of unavoidable breaches, emerging trends in cybersecurity will prioritize proactive defenses like automated threat hunting, a Zero Trust architecture, and giving cyber resilience a priority.

Conclusion: Staying Safe in a World of Advanced Viruses

Now that we have talked about the Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses in 2025, you might be wondering where you could get the best service provider. For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Services in Singapore to organizations working in the IT Industry.

Professionals will use various amazing cybersecurity tools to identify the current vulnerabilities and resolve them with better security solutions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Top 10 Types of Computer Viruses in 2025

1. What is a computer virus in simple terms?

A harmful bit of code known as a computer virus attaches itself to trustworthy software and, if triggered, multiplies to spread and corrupt a computer’s files or functionality.

2. How do computer viruses spread in 2025?

In the following ways, computer viruses spread in 2025:

1. Phishing & Social Engineering,
2. Malvertising & Compromised Websites,
3. Supply Chain Attacks,
4. Fileless & In-Memory Attacks, and
5. Internet of Things (IoT) Exploitation.

3. What are the top types of computer viruses today?

The following are the top types of computer viruses today:

1. Ransomware,
2. Fileless Malware,
3. Trojans,
4. Info-stealers & Spyware, and
5. AI-Driven Malware.

4. How is a virus different from malware?

A virus is a particular kind of malware that has the unusual capacity to replicate itself by attaching itself to other programs, whereas malware is a general word for any malicious software intended to damage a computer.

5. Can computer viruses infect smartphones and tablets?

Although it is possible for smartphones and tablets to become infected, mobile-specific malware such as trojans, spyware, and ransomware, which differ from conventional computer viruses, more frequently target these devices.

6. What is the most dangerous computer virus in 2025?

The following are some of the most dangerous computer viruses in 2025:

1. Multi-Extortion Ransomware,
2. AI-Driven Malware,
3. Fileless & In-Memory Attacks,
4. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and
5. Supply Chain Attacks.

7. How can I tell if my computer is infected with a virus?

You can tell that your computer is infected with a virus by considering the following things:

1. Sudden & Drastic Performance Issues,
2. Unusual Pop-ups & Unfamiliar Programs,
3. Strange Behavior & Unauthorized Activity,
4. Browser & Homepage Changes, and
5. Locked Out or Restricted Access.

8. What are the common signs of a virus attack?

The following are some common signs of a virus attack:

1. Sudden Performance Degradation,
2. Unfamiliar Pop-ups & Programs,
3. Unusual System & File Activity,
4. Browser & Homepage Redirection, and
5. Lack of Storage Space.

9. Can antivirus software stop all types of viruses?

No, protection against all infections cannot be guaranteed by modern antivirus software, particularly against sophisticated fileless malware with no known signatures and zero-day exploits.

10. What should I do if my system is infected with a virus?

You should do the following things if your system gets infected with a virus:

1. Disconnect from the Internet,
2. Enter Safe Mode,
3. Run a Full System Scan,
4. Quarantine & Delete Infected Files, and
5. Change All Passwords & Restore from Backup.

11. How can I protect my business from computer viruses?

You can protect your business from computer viruses in the following ways:

1. Implement a Layered Security Infrastructure,
2. Enforce Strong Access Controls,
3. Conduct Regular Employee Training,
4. Keep All Systems & Software Updated, and
5. Develop a Robust Backup & Incident Response Plan.

12. What future trends should we expect in computer viruses?

You can expect the following future trends in computer viruses:

1. AI-Powered & Autonomous Malware,
2. Increased Focus on the “Human Element”,
3. Exploiting the Internet of Things (IoT),
4. Supply Chain Attacks, and
5. Focus on Cloud & Hybrid Environments.