Explained: Most common types of malware and how they can be dangerous

While a virus may be the most commonly known form of malware, there are a few others that can be dangerous to your data and devices. Viruses, worms, and Trojans are three types of malicious software (malware) that can cause harm to computer systems and networks. Although they all fall under the category of malware, they have distinct characteristics and operate differently. Here, we explain the difference between viruses, worms, and Trojans and how they pose a danger to your devices.

What is a virus?

A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a legitimate program or file and replicates itself. When the infected program or file is executed, the virus is activated, and it can spread to other programs and files on the computer or network. The primary goal of a virus is to replicate and spread, causing damage to the infected computer or network.
Viruses can be spread through email attachments, infected websites, or file-sharing networks.
A virus can cause a range of problems, including slowing down the computer’s performance, corrupting files, and deleting important data. In some cases, a virus can also allow hackers to gain access to the infected computer, giving them access to sensitive data and personal information.

What is a worm?

A worm is a type of malware that is designed to spread quickly through a network by exploiting security vulnerabilities. Unlike a virus, a worm does not need to attach itself to a program or file to spread. Instead, it can replicate itself and spread from computer to computer, often without the user’s knowledge.
Worms can spread rapidly and cause widespread damage to computer networks, sometimes causing entire systems to crash. They can also be used to install other types of malware, such as spyware or keyloggers, on the infected computer. Worms can be spread through email, instant messaging, or through security vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.

What is a trojan?

A trojan, short for the trojan horse, is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program or file. Once the user installs or executes the trojan, it can perform a variety of malicious actions, such as stealing data, modifying files, or installing other…