Cybersecurity
Malware vs. Virus: The Difference That Matters
A simple map of viruses, ransomware, spyware and other malicious software.
Malware is the broad term for software designed to cause harm, steal information or gain unauthorized access. A virus is one type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to other files or programs.
Common categories
Ransomware encrypts or blocks data for payment, spyware monitors activity, trojans disguise malicious behavior as legitimate software and worms spread across systems without attaching to a host file.
Names can overlap
A single attack may use several techniques, so identifying the perfect category is less important than isolating the device and protecting accounts.
Reduce the risk
Install software from trusted sources, keep the operating system and browser updated, use standard user accounts for daily work and maintain backups that are not always connected.
The bottom line
If you suspect an infection, disconnect the device from networks, use trusted security tools and change important passwords from a different clean device.