A computer virus works similarly to the flu virus: it’s highly contagious, you feel run down, you need more sleep and rest than usual and it’s difficult to perform even the simplest of daily tasks. Likewise, a computer virus interferes with the performance of your device by replicating itself and spreading throughout the operating system. A virus can damage programs, delete files and reformat or erase your hard drive, which results in reduced performance or even crashing your system entirely. Hackers can also use viruses to access your personal information to steal or destroy your data. As society becomes more dependent on technology, it’s important to educate yourself, family, friends, employees and co-workers about safely navigating the internet. Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know about computer viruses – from what they are and to how to spot one, to what you should do if your device is infected.