Malware vs. virus: what’s the difference?

Malware is a general term for malicious software. A virus is a specific form of malware that replicates across networks and inflicts damage as it spreads. This article will explain the main differences and clarify how to protect assets against these common cyber threats.

What is malware?

Malware stands for "malicious software". This type of software is engineered to damage applications and devices, take systems offline, and steal data from victims.

Cybersecurity stats suggest that malware is a critical security risk. Organizations report 20-25 major ransomware attacks every day, and there are over 5 billion malware attacks every year.

Malware has several distinctive features. Agents are hard to detect and engineered to evade security barriers. Malware has a specific goal, from implanting spyware to disrupting applications. It also exploits common security vulnerabilities, targeting weak points such as unpatched software.

Malware is a general threat category, containing many sub-varieties. Common types of malware attacks include:

• Worms. Worms are malware agents that replicate automatically across networks. As they spread, worms install backdoors, consume resources, and can steal user data as well.
• Trojans. Trojans look like harmless files (just like the Trojan Horse), allowing them to breach security barriers. When opened, Trojans deliver malicious software to lock down systems or harvest sensitive data.
• Adware. Delivers unwanted pop-up adverts to browsers and other applications. This can slow down performance and may conceal other malware attacks.
• Spyware. These types of malware monitor network traffic to obtain confidential information. They are commonly delivered via phishing attacks.
• Keyloggers. Record keyboard activity, including typed passwords and credit card numbers.
• Ransomware. Malware agents seize control of the victim's device and issue ransom demands. Users only regain control after making crypto payments and may lose data even after paying the ransom.
• Cryptojacking. Attackers implant malware to mine crypto coins. This activity is extremely resource-intensive and often results in device slowdowns.
• Fileless malware. These types of malware leverage system tools to launch attacks. For example, attackers may use exploit kits to target software vulnerabilities. Agents can then operate in the background, often beyond detection by malware scanners.
• Rootkits. Rootkits embed themselves deep within systems, making them tough to detect and remove.
• Botnets. Bots work together in networks to coordinate denial-of-service attacks. Targets rarely know their systems are infected, as each bot consumes very few resources.

Many of the malware attack types listed above do not self-replicate. For instance, cyber attackers may deliver ransomware agents for a specific attack. Replication can also increase the chances of detecting spyware, making it unsuitable for surveillance attacks.

However, some malware does replicate, and when they do, we refer to them as viruses.

What is a virus?

A virus is a malware agent that replicates when executed. Much like a biological virus, computer viruses spread within networks, seeking routes to new devices. Viruses generally aim to damage targeted devices, although there are many ways to do so.

Attackers usually deliver viruses by infecting other files (or "hosts"). Infected files appear normal to users. However, viruses automatically execute when users play a music track or launch an infected application.

Types of viruses include:

• Boot sector viruses. Target the boot sector of computers, making it impossible to boot the device.
• Browser hijackers. Infect web browsers and insert redirects to malicious websites.
• Web scripting viruses. Run malicious scripts to launch files or issue system commands.
• Direct action viruses. Execute when users open infected files.
• Polymorphic viruses. Use specialist code to conceal the virus's digital footprint, making detection harder.
• Resident viruses. Reside in the background, collecting data or waiting to execute. Resident agents may exist on systems for years without detection.
• Macro viruses. Use malicious Excel scripts to issue commands and infect devices.

Viruses also operate in many ways. Some viruses exist to steal data. They spread widely on target networks, seeking databases containing sensitive information. Others compromise performance by replicating constantly. All viruses are malicious and require immediate removal.

What are the differences between malware and a virus?

The core malware vs. virus difference is that viruses always self-replicate, while some forms of malware do not. There are also some subtle differences below that headline definition.

For example, viruses are generally embedded in other files. Users unwittingly activate the virus when opening an infected host file. Many malware attack types use separate software agents and do not rely on hosts. They activate when users download attachments or deliberately introduce malware via external USB drives.

Viruses also usually have limited aims. Most viruses are designed to harm devices and cause damage. They are not sophisticated surveillance tools. Malware can be more complex, especially the types used in data breaches or ransomware attacks.

Remember: All viruses are malware, but you must look beyond viruses to prevent malware attacks. Malware threats extend beyond viruses, including resident agents and specialist data theft tools.

Ways to prevent malware and viruses

Companies need robust measures to block malware and viruses, so how can you protect your data and devices against these urgent network security threats? Follow the best practice below to cut risks from malware and viruses:

• Security training. Educate staff to identify phishing emails. Comprehensive training reduces the risk of downloading malicious attachments or visiting attack sites that distribute malware. Additionally, educate staff to use antivirus and malware scanners on work devices.
• Secure your endpoints. Network endpoints are critical weak points. Secure your endpoints with firewalls and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools. Ensure staff only use approved devices, and verify all USB sticks or external laptops before allowing network connections.
• Use secure web browsing. Implement web security tools that scan downloads and block access to malicious websites. Employ email security tools to assess incoming messages before users open them.
• Update hardware and software regularly. Attackers exploit outdated software to deliver malware and viruses. Patch device firmware and web-facing apps to close backdoors before they lead to malicious attacks.
• Secure mobile devices. Smartphones may be vulnerable to mobile malware and infected apps. Ensure employees use secure mobile devices for work tasks. Block access to insecure app marketplaces.
• Invest in advanced threat detection tools. Don't rely on legacy antivirus tools. Polymorphic viruses evade older scanning techniques. Install scanners with heuristic features and access to the latest threat intelligence.
• Use sandboxing to isolate malware. Sandboxing creates a secure environment to quarantine suspicious files. This cuts the risk of further spread beyond the initial host device and provides space for in-depth threat analysis.
• Monitor network behavior. Scanning files is not enough. Advanced security tools also check for suspicious behavior, such as file deletions or spikes in resource usage. Behavioral monitoring adds an extra line of defense and may uncover hard-to-detect malware or viruses.
• Regularly scan every device. Schedule regular device scans. Don't assume that devices are safe, even if there have been no recent alerts. Use deep-dive malware and virus scanning to root out threats that fly under the radar.

Malware attacks and viruses are unavoidable features of the modern cybersecurity landscape. Effective prevention relies on human knowledge and updated security tools. Security teams must adopt a proactive approach and avoid complacency. The most harmful malicious agents are often the hardest to detect, and vigilance is essential.