Virus vs. Worm: What’s the Difference?

[harlan4096]

What is each and how you can protect your organization against them

Virus vs. worm – is there any difference? Short answer: yes, definitely, and you should never confuse one with the other. In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the distinctions and similarities between worms and viruses and provide you with a protection guide from which you and your organization can benefit from.

Malware vs. virus vs. worm

Malware depicts any type of malicious software or code implanted on a device with the purpose of causing damage. It includes ransomware, spyware, adware, and other types of harmful programs.

Here is how the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines it:
 

“Malware, also known as malicious code and malicious software, refers to a program that is inserted into a system, usually covertly, with the intent of compromising the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the victim’s data, applications, or operating system or otherwise annoying or disrupting the victim.” – NIST Special Publication 800-83

Viruses and worms are other types of malware created to execute malicious functions. In the early days of cyber threats, they were more of a nuisance for organizations and individuals rather than a potential hazard.

However, today’s malware landscape portrays a never-ending battle between cyber defense specialists and cyber intruders, with the global threat environment changing year after year. Now, malicious software has become a serious threat, with over 350,000 new malware strains and potentially unwanted applications (PUA) being created every day, according to the AVTest.At the current trajectory, it’s no wonder that organizations and consumers are struggling to keep up their defenses.

But naturally, not all malware types are created equal, and in this article, I’m going to look at two very specific types of malware: viruses and worms.

What is a Computer Virus?

With reference to cybersecurity, “virus” is perhaps the most widely recognized term and oftentimes used interchangeably with “malware”. However, as I’ve already stated above, “malware” and “viruses” are not synonyms – malware is the all-encompassing term for all types of malicious software, including viruses.
...

Continue Reading