What Is The Difference Between Virus And Malware – If you are one of those people who think Malware and Viruses are the same things, then you are currently wrong. So, let’s find out the difference between viruses and Malware in detail.
What Is The Difference Between Virus And Malware
Have you ever tried to understand the difference between viruses and malware? Even though they are meant to damage devices, steal data, and spy on victims, why are they given different names?
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What is Malware?
Malware is an acronym for the phrases Malicious and Software. Malware is software specifically designed to work undercover with the aim of damaging devices, stealing data, and causing chaos. Malware is usually created by a group of hackers who want to make money by spreading it or selling victim data to buyers at the highest price. However, Malware is also often created to test the security of a system.
What are Viruses?
The virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to files and infects other files. They can spread uncontrollably, destroy core system functions, and then delete or at least corrupt files so that you can’t open or use them again. Viruses are usually in file format (.exe). W32.Sfc! mod, ABAP.Rivpas. A, Accept.3773 are some examples of virus programs.
Difference Between Virus And Malware
Viruses are one type of Malware. Malware is a general term for malicious software designed to damage computers such as viruses, trojans, ransomware, bots, spyware, etc. So basically, terms like virus or trojan are one type of malware.
Why Do People Create Malware?
After reading all this, you might be wondering why people create malware. Here are some reasons that might compel coders to write malware programs:
- Controlling someone’s computer for personal or group reasons.
- For financial gain. This also includes hackers who collect money for a purpose. Maybe you’ve heard of cases of ransomware attacks where hackers collect money to feed people. But that doesn’t mean what they are doing is right.
- To steal confidential data.
- To prove their point. For example, by committing a security breach on a vulnerable system.
- To log individual computers or complete networks.
Impact of Malware on Computers
Many people have become victims of the malignancy of malware. Hackers use it to steal passwords, delete files, and render computers inoperable. Malware infections can cause many problems that affect day-to-day operations and long-term security. Reporting from Console Tech, the impact of malware on computers includes:
- Interfere with the operation.
- Steal sensitive information.
- Allows unauthorized (illegal) access to system resources.
- Slow down computer speed.
- Creates problems when connecting to the network.
- Often results in freezing or crashing.
How to Prevent Malware?
Maybe you’ve heard the saying prevention is better than cure. So before you learn how to remove Malware, you should first know the things that can be the entrance of the Malware to your device. Below are some actions that can minimize the entry of Malware.
- Keep the system up to date.
- Use genuine software or not pirated.
- Install an anti-virus or anti-malware application and update it regularly.
- Use a unique password.
- Check the software you want to download.
- Never open unknown emails which are generally in the Spam folder.
- Never open unknown links or sites, use the online website security checker tool if you are not sure to open the website.
By taking these simple steps, you can effectively keep your device free from Malware and other potential threats.
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Conclusion:
So that’s the difference between viruses and Malware. In essence, Virus is a type of Malware and it is a threat to any device that is connected to the internet. Because hackers are now more creative in developing ways to infect a device’s system.
Staying aware of your online activity, and knowing the signs of a Malware attack is the best way to protect your device from Malware attacks. Therefore, make sure your device is strongly protected.
