The terms "virus" and "malware" are often used interchangeably. However, they are technically different, so the question of malware vs. viruses is an important one. Show
Malware is a catch-all term for any type of malicious software, regardless of how it works, its intent, or how it’s distributed. A virus is a specific type of malware that self-replicates by inserting its code into other programs. Computer viruses have been prominent since almost the beginning of the commercial internet: The first one was created in 1982 for the Apple II, and other versions quickly followed. Viruses spread by attaching themselves to legitimate files and programs, and are distributed through infected websites, flash drives, and emails. A victim activates a virus by opening the infected application or file. Once activated, a virus may delete or encrypt files, modify applications, or disable system functions. Examples of malware vs. virusesThere are many different types of viruses. These are the three most common examples:
The five types of malwareBesides viruses, multiple other types of malware can infect not only desktops, laptops, and servers, but also smartphones. Malware categories include the following:
Antimalware and antivirus solutionsBecause so many types of malware and viruses are in the wild—and cybercriminals are creating more every day—most antimalware and antivirus solutions rely on multiple methods to detect and block suspicious files. The four main types of malware detection are:
IT security professionals can augment their organization's malware and virus defenses by updating and patching applications and platforms. Patches and updates are especially critical for preventing fileless malware, which targets application vulnerabilities and cannot be easily detected with antimalware solutions. Likewise, implementing and encouraging data security best practices can be valuable in preventing data breaches. Basic best practices for password management and role-based access to data and applications, for example, can minimize the odds of a hacker gaining access to a system and limit a hacker's ability to do damage if they gain access. Regular security updates for employees can also help them spot potential threats and remind employees to practice good security hygiene. More Ransomware ArticlesWhat is a computer program that attaches itself to other programs on a computer and creates problems?A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Much like human viruses, computer viruses can range in severity: Some viruses cause only mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware, software or files.
Is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another?A computer worm is a standalone malware computer program that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers. It often uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security failures on the target computer to access it.
What type of virus inserts itself in another executable program?Resident viruses.
This type of virus embeds itself in the memory of a system. The original virus program isn't needed to infect new files or applications.
Which of the following is a program that copies themselves throughout a computer or network?Virus Malware – Programs that copy themselves throughout a computer or network. Malware viruses piggyback on existing programs and can only be activated when a user opens the program. At their worst, viruses can corrupt or delete data, use the user's email to spread, or erase everything on a hard disk.
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