The difference between computer viruses and malware
In the realm of computers, there is a range of malicious software, known collectively as malware. This malware can take many different forms, but most notably includes viruses, worms, and Trojans. It’s important to understand the difference between these types of malware, so you can better protect your computer from harm.
A computer virus is a type of malware that’s designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. A virus might attach itself to a legitimate program or file, and then run when that program or file is executed. Once a virus is on a computer, it can make copies of itself and spread to other computers. Some viruses are designed to cause damage to a computer, such as deleting files or corrupting data. Others are designed to steal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
A worm is similar to a virus in that it’s designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. However, a worm doesn’t need to attach itself to a program or file – it can stand on its own. Additionally, a worm can spread itself without any human interaction, such as by emailing itself to everyone in a person’s address book. Worms can cause damage to a computer, but they’re more often used to steal information.
A Trojan is a type of malware that’s disguised as a legitimate program or file. A Trojan might, for example, pose as a videos or a game. Once executed, however, the Trojan will install malicious software onto a computer. Like viruses and worms, Trojans can be used to damage a computer or steal information.
Malware is a broad term that encompasses all types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, and Trojans. Malware can be used to damage a computer, steal information, or both. There are many different types of malware, and new types are created all the time. The best way to protect your computer from malware is to install and use a reputable anti-virus program..Published here
The Top 10 most dangerous computer viruses of 2020
There’s no shortage of computer viruses, and new ones appear every day. Some are more dangerous than others, and some are more widespread. Here are the 10 most dangerous computer viruses of 2020.
1. WannaCry
WannaCry is a ransomware virus that first appeared in May 2017. It quickly spread around the world, affecting more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries. WannaCry encrypts files on an infected computer and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. It primarily affects computers running Microsoft Windows, and it can spread quickly through networks. WannaCry has caused millions of dollars in damages, and it’s still circulating today.
2. NotPetya/ExPetr
NotPetya, also known as ExPetr, is a virus that first appeared in June 2017. It encrypts files and hard drives on infected computers and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Unlike WannaCry, however, NotPetya doesn’t appear to have a working decryption key, meaning that once your files are encrypted, they’re likely gone for good. NotPetya also spread quickly, affecting computers in more than 60 countries. It’s estimated to have caused billions of dollars in damage.
3. Locky
Locky is a ransomware virus that first appeared in February 2016. It’s spread mostly through phishing emails that contain infected attachments. When opened, the attachment encrypts files on the computer and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Locky has caused millions of dollars in damage, and it’s still active today.
4. Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker is a ransomware virus that first appeared in September 2013. It encrypts files on an infected computer and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Cryptolocker primarily spreads through email attachments and infected websites. It’s caused millions of dollars in damage, and it’s still active today.
5. Zeus
Zeus is a virus that’s used to steal banking information. It first appeared in 2007, and it’s still active today. Zeus is primarily spread through phishing emails and infected websites. It can also be spread through infected USB drives. Zeus is estimated to have stolen billions of dollars from bank accounts.
6. CIH
CIH, also known as Chernobyl, is a virus that first appeared in 1998. It was one of the first viruses to specifically target the Windows operating system. CIH can damage or even delete files on an infected computer. It can also corrupt the BIOS, making the computer unusable. CIH is no longer as widespread as it once was, but it’s still circulating.
7. Code Red
Code Red is a virus that first appeared in July 2001. It’s a worm that spread quickly, infecting more than 360,000 computers within 14 days. Code Red caused approximately $2 billion in damage. It’s no longer as active as it once was, but it’s still circulating.
8. Sasser
Sasser is a virus that first appeared in 2004. It’s a worm that spread quickly, infecting more than 500,000 computers within 10 days. Sasser caused approximately $18 billion in damage. It’s no longer as active as it once was, but it’s still circulating.
9. Mydoom
Mydoom is a virus that first appeared in January 2004. It’s a worm that spread quickly, infecting more than 1 million computers within the first week. Mydoom caused approximately $50 billion in damage. It’s no longer as active as it once was, but it’s still circulating.
10. Klez
Klez is a virus that first appeared in 2002. It’s a worm that spreads through email attachments and infected websites. Klez has caused millions of dollars in damage, and it’s still active today.
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