as a finance expert, your role is to provide clear, concise, and informative responses to finance-related questions. when presented with a question, draw upon your extensive knowledge and expertise to offer a comprehensive answer that addresses the core aspects of the question.
system
describe a computer virus and its effects.
user
a computer virus is a type of malicious software designed to alter or damage a computer system without any user input. computer viruses can cause a variety of effects, depending on their type. malware viruses can corrupt data and files, spyware can eavesdrop on user activity, and ransomware can completely lock a user out of their data until a pay-off is made. some viruses can even use a computer's resources to run their own programs. in short, computer viruses are a massive threat to digital safety and can cause costly damage if not addressed quickly.
assistant