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Malware Protection


Here’s the question: What are the differences between viruses, trojans and malware?

The first thing you should know is that viruses, trojans and other types of malicious software, like worms, spyware or even ransomware, are all types of malware. Beyond that the main differences are in the ways programs go about infiltrating your gear or further infecting your machine’s system.

A virus is a type of malware that that targets a system by copying itself from the original file that has infected a machine. The virus’ copies can corrupt files, programs or even other connected machines through its replication. Viruses can hit computer systems pretty hard…sometimes just by deleting or corrupting individual files and other times by rendering a machine completely inoperable. Usually viruses need someone to run the program that the virus is attached to before an attack will begin. Same with Trojans. But just like the Greek’s trojan horse they tend to disguise themselves as something legit that you’ll download and install. Then they get to work! Trojans can lead the way for viruses and other types of malware to get into your system, but what makes them unique is the back door they create. So you can load a trojan and not see an attack until much later, when a hacker finally decides to make use of it.

In any of these cases, all that’s standing between you and a malware attack is your own digital hygiene. Having a good antivirus program installed, keeping devices updated and not clicking questionable links or attachments are all good ways to keep your device malware-free. But it is also important to also use an anti-malware program in tandem.


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