#BestYourself Difference between Viruses, Trojans, Worms and Malware. I. What is Malware? The word Malware is short for malicious software, and is a general term used to describe all of the viruses, worms, spyware, and pretty much anything that is specifically designed to cause harm to your PC or steal your information. II. Viruses --> Wreak Havoc On Your Files The term computer virus is often used interchangeably with malware, though the two don’t actually have the same meaning. In the strictest sense, a virus is a program that copies itself and infects a PC, spreading from one file to another, and then from one PC to another when the files are copied or shared. III. Spyware --> Steals Your Information Spyware is any software installed on your PC that collects your information without your knowledge, and sends that information back to the creator so they can use your personal information in some nefarious way. IV. Trojan Horses --> Install a Backdoor Trojan horses are applications that look like they are doing something innocuous, but secretly have malicious code that does something else. In many cases, trojans will create a backdoor that allows your PC to be remotely controlled, either directly or as part of a botnet—a network of computers also infected with a trojan or other malicious software. The major difference between a virus and a trojan is that trojans don’t replicate themselves—they must be installed by an unwitting user. V. Worms --> Infect Through the Network Computer worms use the network to send copies of themselves to other PCs, usually utilizing a security hole to travel from one host to the next, often automatically without user intervention. Because they can spread so rapidly across a network, infecting every PC in their path, they tend to be the most well-known type of malware, although many users still mistakenly refer to them as viruses.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 07:52:52 +0000
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