What is a computer virus?

Computer viruses and malware are terms often used interchangeably, but they have specific definitions in the context of cybersecurity:

Computer Viruses:

• A computer virus is a type of malicious software program (“malware”) that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.

• Its purpose is to spread from one computer to another, much like a biological virus spreads from one person to another.

• Viruses can cause harmful effects on the infected computer, ranging from slowing down the system to corrupting or deleting data, logging keystrokes, and even taking control of the machine.

• They often spread through email attachments, internet downloads, and sometimes through vulnerable areas in a computer’s operating system.

Malware:

• Malware is a broader term that encompasses all types of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device or network.

• Unlike a computer virus, which is just one type of malware, the term malware includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.

• Malware can perform various functions, including stealing, encrypting, or deleting sensitive data, altering or hijacking core computing functions, and monitoring users' computer activity without their permission.

• The spread method can vary: some are spread through email attachments, others through infected software downloads, and some through exploiting vulnerabilities in a network or device.

In summary, while all computer viruses are malware, not all are viruses. Viruses specifically replicate by attaching to other programs, whereas other types of malware have different methods of operation and distribution.