Malware vs Virus: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between malware and viruses is that malware is an umbrella term used to describe all types of malicious software, whereas viruses are a specific type of malware. In other words, all viruses are malware but not all types of malware are viruses.

Continue reading to learn what malware is, what a virus is, the key differences between the two and how you can protect yourself against all types of malware, including viruses. 

What Is Malware?

Malware, also called malicious software, is software that is designed to infect devices and systems for malicious purposes. There are many different types of malware out there and each of them works differently. However, all types of malware do have a common goal of stealing, modifying and deleting data. 

Two Types of Malware

Here are two examples of malware. 

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that is used by cybercriminals to spy on their victims. When spyware is installed on a victim’s device, cybercriminals can see what’s on the user’s screen, track their keystrokes and even gain access to the device’s camera and microphone.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, and in severe cases, encrypts their entire device – preventing victims from being able to access their device. The ransomware then displays a pop-up stating that victims can regain access to their files and device if they pay a specified ransom. However, paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee that victims will get their data back. 

What Is a Virus?

A virus, also known as a computer virus, is a type of malware that requires a host and human interaction for it to be able to infect a device successfully. Once a virus has successfully infected a device, it can replicate itself and spread to other programs and files on the infected computer. 

Two Types of Viruses

Here are two examples of viruses.

Overwrite virus

An overwrite virus is a type of computer virus that self-replicates and deletes data as it spreads on an infected computer. When an overwrite virus “deletes” data it technically replaces it with the virus’s code. Apart from losing data from this type of virus, it can also cause the victim’s computer to lag or crash completely. 

Web scripting virus

A web scripting virus is a computer virus that enables cybercriminals to inject malicious code onto web pages. When a user lands on an infected web page and interacts with it, their browser becomes infected by the virus by self-replicating into the user’s web browser. Once the virus infects the victim’s browser, it continues self-replicating onto other programs and files on the victim’s computer. 

The Key Differences Between Malware and Viruses

Here are the key differences between malware and viruses. 

Viruses are a specific type of malware

While the terms virus and malware are often used interchangeably, not all malware are considered viruses. Viruses are a specific type of malware that work differently than other types. This means if you’re referring to a virus you can call it malware, but if you’re referring to another type of malware like a computer worm, it’s technically not correct to refer to it as a virus. 

Viruses must be triggered by a user, but not malware

For a virus to infect a device, a human has to trigger the infection by interacting with the virus’ host. For example, if a virus is hidden in a free movie download, the virus can only infect the user’s device if they click on the download. This differs from other types of malware like computer worms, which can infect devices by exploiting security vulnerabilities and don’t necessarily require a human to interact with them to trigger an infection. 

Viruses can self-replicate, but not all malware can self-replicate

One of the biggest differentiating factors between viruses and other types of malware is that a virus self-replicates to spread itself to other programs on the infected device. Other types of malware, such as spyware and ransomware, cannot self-replicate. 

How To Protect Yourself Against Malware and Viruses

You can protect yourself against different types of malware, including viruses, by taking the following precautions.

Never click on unsolicited links and attachments

Viruses rely on a user interacting with its host for it to successfully infect a device. Viruses can hide in malicious links, files, attachments and advertisements, making it crucial that you only click on links and attachments you’re sure are safe. If you ever receive an unsolicited link or attachment, don’t click on it because it could trigger a malware infection which could lead to your sensitive data getting modified, stolen or deleted. 

Keep your device’s Operating System (OS) up to date

Software updates not only provide your devices, applications and software with new features, but they also patch known security vulnerabilities, fix bugs and add new security features. The longer you wait to install a software update, the more vulnerable your devices are to becoming infected with malware. 

As soon as you notice a new update becomes available, install it right away. We recommend having automatic updates enabled. However, even with automatic updates enabled, check to see if your apps and operating systems are up to date regularly. 

Regularly back up your data

Depending on the goal of a cybercriminal, your data could end up getting deleted or modified due to malware. To prevent losing your data, regularly back it up into encrypted cloud storage so you’ll always have access to your data, no matter what happens to your device. 

Don’t download movies, apps or software from suspicious sites

Many malicious websites are designed to entice you with free movies, apps and software so you’re inclined to download them. Downloading anything from these websites can mean you’re downloading some type of malware on your device which can lead to compromised data.

Stick to only downloading movies, apps and software from trusted sources to avoid unintentionally downloading malware on your devices. 

Invest in antivirus software

Antivirus is a program you can install on your computer that prevents malware from infecting your devices. Antivirus software works by constantly scanning your device and comparing codes with known malware it has stored in its database. When the antivirus detects a malicious code in a file or other piece of software, it quarantines that file and deletes it before it’s able to successfully infect your device. 

Don’t use browser-based password managers

Browser-based password managers are password managers that are built into web browsers such as Chrome or Safari. Like any other password manager, they’re designed to help users create, store and autofill their passwords to make managing multiple passwords less of a hassle. However, browser-based password managers were not designed with security in mind. If malware were to infect your computer, it could also infect your browser which places all of those stored passwords, and the accounts they’re supposed to protect, at risk of compromise. 

Instead of relying on a browser-based password manager to store your passwords, use a standalone password manager like Keeper®. Keeper Password Manager is designed to be both convenient and secure so you don’t have to compromise convenience over security. The only password you’ll need to remember is your master password. 

Ensure the Safety of Your Data From Malware and Viruses

All types of malware are designed to compromise user data so it can be used for malicious purposes. Knowing and practicing preventative measures to protect against malware can help keep your data safe. Cybersecurity tools like password managers can also help keep your sensitive data protected by storing your credentials, credit card information and more. 

To see how Keeper can help keep your data protected, start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today.