What is a Hybrid Virus?
Sometimes referred to as a multipartite virus, the hybrid virus is one of the more difficult types of computer virus to bring under control. Essentially, the hybrid virus will combine elements of other virus programs in a new combination that will often slip past protections that would stop the original component viruses. Generally, a hybrid virus is capable of infecting both system sectors and program files, making it especially difficult to locate and remove from a system. In many cases, the hybrid virus will include elements of both file infectors and boot infectors. The idea behind this approach is to launch a two-pronged attack on the system. As the multi-part virus enters the system, elements settle into program files, while at the same time identifying and infiltrating various sections of the operating system. This means that each time the executable file imbedded with the hybrid virus runs, the result is an activation sequence that helps the virus to proliferate. At the same ti
