It’s quite common for anyone who has web surfing experience to have come across a certain type of  webpage virus, namely the Script Virus. A Script Virus usually comes from webpage advertisements and is therefore wide-spread. Have you ever opened your web browser only to find that your homepage has changed? This may have been caused by a Script Virus. The consequences of being infected by Script Viruses include the modification of the front page of a web browser, changes in your registry (for Windows system users), slower system performance, and so forth. A Script Virus causes a lot of trouble for computer users, many of whom are casual web surfers with no knowledge of their system’s infection. Let’s take a look at how Script Viruses propagate and how to stop them.

HOW IT SPREADS

Almost all of the Script Viruses have these common features: prefixing itself Script (i.e., Script.Redlof); and being written via a scripting language (a very high level programming language, operating at a high level of abstraction, such as JavaScript). A Script Virus is spread via webpages and has several properties such as being easy to program, malicious, and highly infectious.

• Even if you are a rookie programmer you can create a new type of Script Virus in a short time. A Script Virus can destroy system files and sabotage the performance of your computer. As I show below, a simply written html file can cause your web browser to open new tabs infinitively, which would definitely paralyze your system.

• Script Viruses can also create a huge traffic jam for e-mail servers and networks. Script Viruses can spread via html files and e-mail attachments, which can be forwarded to every corner of the world instantaneously. There are several well-known Script Viruses such as “I love you” that are sent via e-mail.
• A Script Virus usually camouflages itself through adding an additional suffix (i.e., png.vbs). Since the system does not show the latter suffix, users sometimes mistake the file for a normal picture file and don’t delete it. This allows the Script Virus to get past security and create a mess in the computer.
• On top of all these properties, a Script Virus can be generated automatically by a virus generator. This allows massive and quick generation of viruses according to the hacker’s directions.

HOW TO DEFEND YOUR SYSTEM

As you read about the properties of Script Viruses above, you might have noticed that they can be triggered by users themselves, such as when you click on an infected advertisement or open an e-mail attachment that is infected. Hence, the best way to prevent Script Virus propagation is to avoid making direct contact with the infected files and questionable webpages. Here are some steps you can take to avoid infection and remove suspected files.

• In Internet Explorer, in order not to accidently set off an infected ad webpage, you can go to “Tools” and check “ActiveX Filtering.” When you land on a website that tries to run a Script Virus that uses ActiveX, Internet Explorer will ask you if you want the script to run or not.

• Delete files that have doubles suffixes: .vbs, .vbe, or .js. To do this, go to “This PC” (for Windows 8 users) and choose “View” on the top bar, then select “file name extension.” Choose “Show hidden files” to check all the files in your computer. You can look for Script Viruses easily this way, since you can target their specific extensions.

• If you are using Outlook, be sure to prevent Outlook from answering Read Receipt Requests. Select “Tools”->”Options”->”Mail” Options->”Tracking Options,” and make sure “Never send a response” is selected for “respond to requests for read receipts”.

• Set your network security to above the “Medium” level, as shown below. This can stop some java based viruses or some malicious ActiveX programs from damaging your computer.

Of course you can rely on a variety of antivirus software to protect your computer. Here I recommend Avast 2015. It is easy and free to use to diagnose and remove these Script Viruses.

CONCLUSION

Since more viruses pop up every day, one of the best ways to defend your computer is to keep yourself knowledgeable. The more you read, the more you can do.