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Difference between Virus and Malware
In the field of computer and internet, there are two terms virus and malware, which are generally used interchangeably. But they are absolutely different from each other. The fundamental differences between virus and malware is that a virus is a computer program or a code that can copy itself to corrupt the system or slow down the speed of the system, while the malware is a wider term that covers all the software that are designed to damage or adversely affect the computer systems.
In this article, we will discuss the important differences between virus and malware. But before that let us first discuss their basics.
What is Malware?
Any computer program or software which is specially developed for damaging or disrupting a computer system or a computer network is called a malware. Malware is basically a category of computer software that are mainly designed to harm a computer or a network.
Examples of malware include viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojan horse, etc. Malwares are generally spread through downloads, emails, etc. After installation, malware starts harming the computer system.
In order to protect your computer system against malware, you should use a strong antivirus software and keep it up to date, download files from trusted sites only, analyze an email before opening its attachments, avoid visiting untrusted sites on internet.
What is Virus?
In computers, a virus is a malicious computer program that is capable of replicating itself. Hence, a computer virus is a type malware that is designed to disrupt and damage a computer system.
Similar to any other type of malware, a virus is also spread through downloads, email attachments, infected sites, etc. Once a computer system is infected with a virus, the virus starts affecting the operating of the system by corrupting files, filling storage, stealing sensitive information, etc.
We can protect our computers from viruses by installing an antivirus software and keeping it up to date, scanning emails before opening, avoiding to access untrusted sites on the internet, etc.
After getting insights into the basics of malware and virus, let us now discuss the important differences between them.
Difference between Virus and Malware
The important differences between malware and virus are highlighted in the following table:
Parameter |
Virus |
Malware |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Virus is a malicious computer program that is capable of replicating itself to decrease the performance of a computer system. |
Malware is a broader term that represents a category of computer software designed to harm the computer system. |
Main function |
The main function of a computer virus is to replicate itself and spread to other computer systems. |
The main function of a malware is to harm or damage a computer system by performing a malicious action depending on the type of malware. |
Classification |
Viruses cannot be further classified into sub categories. |
There are several different types of malware software such as viruses, trojan horses, spywares, worms, adware, etc. |
Type |
Virus is a type of malware. |
All malware is a virus. Malware is an umbrella terms used to represent all types of malicious software. |
Detection & Removal |
Viruses can be easily detected and removing by using antiviruses. |
Some malware programs could require advanced software or technologies to detect and remove. |
Triggering |
Viruses are usually triggered by a user performing an action. |
Malware can be triggered automatically when installed or the computer is started. |
Impact |
Viruses often impact the performance of a computer system. |
Malware has an impact on the performance, privacy and security of a computer system depending on the nature of malware. |
Prevention |
Viruses can be prevented by using an up-to-date antivirus, avoiding to visit infected sites, scanning email attachments before opening, etc. |
Malware can be prevented by using advanced security tools such as antivirus, firewall, network security tools, etc. |
Conclusion
Both malwares and viruses are designed to harm and damage a computer system or a computer network. The most significant difference between virus and malware is that a virus is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread to other computer systems to impact the performance of the system, while malware is an umbrella term used to represent all kinds of malicious programs that adversely affect the computer systems and networks.
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