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Difference Between Virus and Malware

Malware is a broad category of malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, while a virus is a specific type of malware that attaches itself to files and programs to disrupt and corrupt devices. Various types of malware include Trojans, worms, and ransomware, whereas viruses can be categorized into types like boot sector and polymorphic. Anti-malware software is used to remove malware, while antivirus software specifically targets viruses.

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75 views2 pages

Difference Between Virus and Malware

Malware is a broad category of malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, while a virus is a specific type of malware that attaches itself to files and programs to disrupt and corrupt devices. Various types of malware include Trojans, worms, and ransomware, whereas viruses can be categorized into types like boot sector and polymorphic. Anti-malware software is used to remove malware, while antivirus software specifically targets viruses.

Uploaded by

Gaurav Sharma
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Difference Between Virus and Malware

Malware is a type of malicious software which intends to infect the host computer. Whereas, Virus is a
type of malware itself. It infects files and then spreads through a device whenever the file or program is
run.

Key Differences - Malware vs Virus


Given below are the differences between malware and virus in a tabular format to easily and accurately
understand the two terms:

Difference Between Malware and Virus

Malware Virus

Definition:​ Malware is a software which is Definition:​ A virus is a code which attaches itself
designed to get unauthorised access of a to various files and programs which get infected
computer system, generally for a third party in a manner that they can disrupt and corrupt a
benefit. device.

Types of Malware include: Types of Virus include:


● Virus ● Boot sector
● Trojan ● Multipartite
● Worm ● Spacefiller
● Ransomware ● Resident
● Spyware ● Polymorphic
● Adware ● File infector
● Direct Action
● Macro

The full form of Malware is Malicious Software The full form of Virus is Vital Information
Resource Under Seize

A computer system with a malware software can Antivirus is used to remove viruses from a
be repaired using an antimalware software computer device

If a malware software affects your computer A system attacked by a computer virus can be
device, it may: apprehended if:
● Try to retrieve personal information ● The processing speed decreases
● Steal data like saved cards or payment ● Too many pop-ups appear on the screen
details ● Passwords are reset
● Initiate mining for bitcoin ● Different programs begin to execute
● Overpower its presence and execute themselves
unwanted tasks

Examples of Anti-Malware software include: Examples of Antivirus software are:


● Total AV ● McAfee
● Bitdefender ● Norton
● Malwarebytes ● Avast
● Hitman Pro ● Kaspersky

Aspirants can also visit the ​Computer Virus​ page and learn in detail about what is a virus and what are
its different types.

Candidates can also check the following links to prepare themselves for the upcoming competitive
exams:
● Difference Between Hardware and Software
● Difference Between RAM and ROM
● Difference Between Internet and WWW
● Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus
● Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

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