What is the difference between a virus and spyware?
There are many differences between viruses and spyware, but the most important distinction is that viruses are designed to propagate themselves, while spyware is not. This means that a virus will copy itself to other parts of a computer or network, while spyware will not. Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to collect information about a user or computer without the user’s knowledge or consent.
Another difference between viruses and spyware is that viruses are generally much more destructive than spyware. While a spyware program might slow down a computer or collect sensitive information, a virus is more likely to delete files, corrupt data, or even render a computer unusable.
One final difference is that viruses are usually spread by email or downloaded from the Internet, while spyware is more often installed without the user’s knowledge or consent, usually bundled with other software.
So, in summary, the key difference between viruses and spyware is that viruses are designed to spread themselves, while spyware is designed to collect information about a user or computer..Visit Them
The 10 most common ways that computer viruses are contracted
Computers viruses are contracted in a variety of ways. The most common means are:
1. Through email attachments – This is the most common method of contracting a virus. Hackers will create an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate source, with an attachment. Once the victim downloads and opens the attachment, the virus is released into their system.
2. Via infected websites – Websites can be infected with viruses, which can then infect visitors’ computers if they don’t have adequate protection.
3. Downloading infected files – This can occur when downloading files from the internet, especially if they come from an unreliable source.
4. Running infected programs – Even programs that have been downloaded from legitimate sources can be infected with viruses. This is why it’s important to always keep your software up to date.
5. Instant messaging – Instant messaging applications can be used to spread viruses, if someone sends you a message with an infected file attached.
6. Infected removable media – USB drives and other removable media can easily spread viruses if they’re used on an infected computer.
7. Network shares – If you’re connected to a network, such as in an office, and someone on that network has a virus, you can be infected as well.
8. Malicious advertisements – Advertisements on websites can sometimes be used to infect your computer with a virus.
9. Physical access to your computer – If someone has physical access to your computer, they can install a virus on it without your knowledge.
10. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks – If you’re using an unsecured Wi-Fi network, such as in a coffee shop or airport, someone else on that network can easily infect your computer with a virus.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most deadly computer virus. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.