Oftentimes, malware and viruses are used interchangeably, but these two are distinct concepts. Their technical differences bring us to the importance of the argument of ‘malware vs virus’. Malware on one hand is the amalgamation of the words ‘malicious and software’. This refers to any program or software that is malicious in nature, irrespective of its work, intent or mode of distribution. The major aim of malware is to steal or damage data or information. While virus on the other hand, is a particular type of malware that replicates itself by inserting its code into another files or programs. The history of virus dates back to 1982, when the first version of virus was created for Apple II. Viruses are distributed through infected website files and emails. They spread by attaching themselves to legitimate programs and files.
TYPES OF VIRUSES VS MALWARE.
There are several types of viruses, but these three are the most common viruses.
The file infector: file infector kind of virus gets itself into executable files and spreads through a network. The aim of a file infector virus is to overwrite the computer’s operating system and at times, reformat its drive.
Polymorphic viruses: This type of virus replicates and encrypts itself by changing its code in a way that it erases detection by antivirus programs.
The macro virus: The macro virus targets and takes advantage of computer programs that support the macro. It usually comes as word documents that are attached to a spam email or zipped file. These files trick victims by appearing to be real and legitimate and they hereby tempt the victim to open the file and activate the viruses.
Malware on the other hand is a catch-all term for all malicious software which include virus. Their goal and aims are based on their type and mode of infection. For instance:
• A type of malware tricks victims into providing personal data for identification theft.
• The aim of some malware is to take control of computer to launch attack against other networks. Types of malware include: worms, spyware, ransomware, Trojan etc. (all these are discussed in my article on malware).
ANTIMALWARE AND ANTIVIRUS ACTIVITIES
Everyday, cybercriminals device means to improve on their methods of attack, this is why so many types of malware and viruses are in the wild. Most antimalware and antivirus solutions device several means and techniques to detect and block malicious devices and attacks. Basically, there four (4) major types of malware detectives.
Signature-based scanning: this approach relies on scanning a database of known virus/ signatures. The freshness of the signature in the database determines the success of the scanner. This is often the basic approach implemented by all antimalware programs.
Heuristic analysis: this approach bases its detection on the similarity of a virus to its related viruses.
Sandbox analysis: This antimalware detection system analyses virus by moving suspect files to a secured environment in order to analyze the file without exposing the network to any risk.
Real-time behavioral monitoring solution: this kind of antimalware program blocks and hunts the malware program behind the attack.
As much as the concept of malware and viruses are used interchangeably, there is the need for organizations to augment their malware and virus defenses by updating and patching applications and platforms.