A computer virus is a computer programme that infects a computer without the user's knowledge or permission. The term 'computer virus' is a generic phrase that covers all types of 'malware' programmes that will cause harm to your computer. There are too many different types of computer virus to mention but some of the most 'popular' ones include worms and trojans. Computer viruses are a serious problem in today's world and every computer user should have software in place to protect their computer and data from computer viruses. However it is absolutely crucial that you not only have protection from computer viruses but that you maintain it and keep your protection up to date as new computer viruses are released almost daily.

Computer viruses can attack your computer in a number of ways. Viruses may come through e-mail, other viruses are prevalent on the Internet. Yet other viruses can attack your computer through instant messaging programmes. The need for action and protection against computer viruses has never been greater!

Below we have teamed up with the computer virus experts, Sophos, to present the latest news and developments on computer viruses around the world. Please use the links below to find out further information about the most 'popular' virus alerts over the last month along with the latest virus hoaxes in the past 24 hours.

Ensure that your computer is virus free by keeping up to date on the latest virus news!