Malware vs virus: What’s the difference?

People often mix up malware vs virus, but here’s the gist. Malware is basically any software built to harm you or your device, while a virus is just one type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to clean files.

Below, we’ll walk you through the basics of malware and viruses, including the types you’re most likely to run into. You’ll learn how to tell them apart and spot an infection, how antivirus and anti-malware tools differ, and what to do if your device gets compromised.

What is malware?

Malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, is designed to steal user data, destroy or corrupt files, lock systems, or just cause damage to users or their devices in general. Cybercriminals spread malware through infected files, such as third-party apps from sketchy websites, email attachments, malicious links via social media apps, and so on.

What are some common types of malware?

There are countless malware strains out there, but most fall under one of these categories:

• Spyware: Spies on your activity without your knowledge and sends your data back to whoever installed it—whether it’s passwords, browsing history, messages, payment details, or other sensitive info.
• Worms: Spread through networks by copying themselves. They don’t need help from users and can quickly infect many devices, slowing down systems or opening the door for more malware or attacks.
• Trojan horses: Trojans trick you into thinking they’re safe. But once you download these fake apps or files, they can steal your data, spy on you, or install more malware in the background.
• Ransomware: Can encrypt your files or system, leaving them inaccessible without a password. Scammers then demand money to unlock them, though they almost never follow through.
• Keyloggers: Secretly record your keystrokes to catch logins, messages, or credit card numbers, and send that information to the attacker.
• Adware: Software that pushes unwanted ads onto your device. It may slow down your system, change your browser settings, open pop-ups, or track what you click so it can show more ads.
• Fileless malware: Harmful code that hides in your device’s RAM instead of installing files locally. It uses normal system tools to run, which makes it harder to spot and remove.
• Cryptojacking: Malware that uses your device’s power to mine cryptocurrency secretly. Unsurprisingly, this slows things down and overheats your system, which may even damage your components.

All of these fall under the broad umbrella of malware, but one type often gets singled out and misunderstood. Namely, the computer virus. Let’s look at what actually makes something a virus and how it differs from the rest.

What is a virus?

A virus is a type of malware that latches onto clean files or programs and spreads when you run them. It can’t move on its own, so it needs you to open or install something first. Once active, it can corrupt files, mess with your system, hack into accounts, or try to spread further.

What are some common types of viruses?

Like malware, viruses come in different forms, each using a different trick to break in and replicate while staying under the radar:

• File infector: This virus attaches itself to normal programs or files. When you open one, it runs in the background and starts infecting other files on your system as you use them.
• Polymorphic virus: Changes its code each time it spreads, which makes it harder for antivirus software to catch. Even if you delete one version, another slightly different one may still be hiding.
• Resident virus: Instead of disappearing after it runs, this type sticks around in your device’s memory. It keeps infecting files behind the scenes long after the original source is deleted.
• Boot sector virus: Targets the part of your drive that helps your computer start. It kicks in before your system even loads, making it harder to find and even tougher to remove once it’s in.
• Multipartite virus: Attacks more than one area at once. For instance, it might hit your boot sector and your files, letting it spread in different ways as you use your device.
• Web scripting virus: Hides in websites or pop-ups. If you visit a sketchy site, it can run malicious code through your browser and infect your system without you clicking or downloading anything.

Malware vs virus difference

Malware is the general term for any malicious software designed to harm your device or steal your data. That means viruses, but also things like spyware, ransomware, and worms. A virus is just one type of malware that spreads by attaching itself to other files or programs.

Meanwhile, viruses rely on you opening an infected file or running a program before they can do anything. In contrast, other malware like worms don’t need your help to spread. So while every virus is malware, not every piece of malware is a virus.

Why do people confuse malware with viruses?

People started using “virus” as a catch-all when viruses were the most well-known when computers first took off. The term stuck, even though newer types of malware work very differently. It’s simpler to call everything a virus, even when that’s no longer accurate.

What’s the difference between anti-malware and antivirus?

In the past, antivirus tools were built to catch old-school threats like viruses and worms. Anti-malware tools came later and aim to stop a wider range of attacks, including newer ones like ransomware or fileless malware.

These days, there’s not much difference between the two. The best antivirus software nowadays can deal with a variety of threats besides viruses, and may include features like malicious website blocking, data breach alerts, or even identity theft protection.

Signs you have malware or a virus on your system

Catching a virus or malware early makes it easier to clean up and protect other devices. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Laggy or unresponsive system: Your computer slows down even when you’re running just one or two things. Apps stutter, the mouse lags, and everything feels off. This is a big clue you have malware running in the background.
• Ad windows that won’t close or keep reappearing: Pop-ups flood your screen even when no browser is open. Meanwhile, some refuse to close or come right back afterwards. Adware may be to blame in this case.
• Unknown apps or extensions out of nowhere: Some might even hide themselves or pretend to be useful, but if you don’t remember adding or installing them, they could be malware in disguise.
• Frequent crashes: Programs stop working or crash the moment you try to use them. In some cases, they won’t even open. Malware can mess with app stability or block certain programs (especially antivirus tools) to avoid being found.
• Unexpected redirects to shady websites: Click one thing, and you end up on some sketchy site you’ve never heard of. Such redirects are usually caused by malicious extensions or apps changing your browser settings.
• Unusual battery usage: Your battery drains faster than usual, even when you’re just doing some light browsing. That might mean malware is using power for things like mining crypto or leaking your data to attackers.
• Overheating PC components: Using a free tool like HWMonitor to check your PC temps may show that your CPU, GPU, and other components run hot with no demanding apps open—another crypto miner sign.
• High network or disk activity when idle: A quick peek at your activity monitor or Task Manager can reveal sneaky malware uploading, deleting, or otherwise messing with your data.

How to prevent a malware or virus infection

Prevention is key, whether you’re dealing with a virus or malware in general. Here’s how to keep your devices safe:

• Use up-to-date anti-malware programs to block threats automatically.
• Follow safe browsing habits, like avoiding pop-ups and suspicious websites.
• Check for HTTPS or a padlock icon in your address bar to make sure sites are secure.
• Download software only from official sources to reduce the risk of Trojans.
• Review app permissions carefully so you don’t end up installing spyware.
• Avoid sketchy torrent sites, as you may end up downloading malware.
• Careful with emails or texts from unfamiliar contacts and don’t click suspicious links.
• Disable macros in Office files unless you’re absolutely sure the file is safe.
• Scan email attachments and any files you receive before opening them.
• Don’t plug in USB drives you may have found randomly.
• Keep your operating system and apps updated so known security flaws get patched.
• Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager to avoid reusing them.
• Secure your accounts with an authenticator app in case your logins are stolen.
• Back up important files, photos, and documents on an external drive or in the cloud.

Now, that’s quite the list, but no worries. Even if a piece of malware or a virus slips through the cracks, you can still salvage things.

What to do if your device is infected with malware or a virus

If you suspect you have a virus or other type of malware on your system, don’t panic. Follow these steps to prevent further damage and remove it safely:

• Disconnect from the internet to stop the malware from spreading or sending data out.
• Run a complete antivirus or anti-malware scan to quarantine any threats.
• Restart in safe mode if malware stops your antivirus from working.
• If safe mode won’t load, use a rescue disk to scan your system externally.
• Clear your browser cache and temporary files to get rid of leftover malicious code.
• Check your startup programs for anything you don’t recognize and disable it.
• Change your passwords after cleanup, especially for accounts used on the device.
• Restore from backup only if you’re sure the backup itself is clean.

If all else fails, a full system reset may be your only option. Back up anything important that isn’t infected, then wipe the device and reinstall the operating system. It’s a last resort, but it ensures the malware is completely gone.

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