Difference between Malware and Spyware

In this article, we will discuss Malware, Spyware, and the significant differences between them. Both are considerable threats that can cause considerable damage to your computer, whether it is your home computer used for general surfing, or it could be a network of computers used at the business place.

It is important to know both terms and their difference. So, without any delay, let's start the topic.

Malware

Malware is "Malicious software". It can be defined as a special kind of code or application specifically developed to harm electronic devices. It is an umbrella term that includes all types of malicious software like a virus, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, etc. Almost every kind of disruptive program is included in malware. It can cause many advertisements to appear on our computer screens, and those ads can be harmful if we accidentally click on them.

Hackers or cybercriminals use malware to disrupt or damage a user's system. It is designed to destroy the data and resources of an organization or an individual. It can cause an error and can slow down the performance. It can be delivered by software installations, emails, internet surfing, etc.

The most common way to keep your system protected from malware is by installing anti-malware or anti-virus software. Most of the malware can be scanned or removed by using an antivirus program.

Spyware

It is software that secretly records information about user activities on their system. It could capture credit card details that can be used by cybercriminals for unauthorized shopping, money withdrawing, etc.

It is a type of malware that watch or tracks the actions of the user. It can collect the user's personal data. It is designed to spy on computer activities. Once it infects the computer, it will track the passwords and the internet activities such as the site you visit. It can also track the social media accounts of a user. They steal the data such as the personal information of the user by running background in the system.

As its name implies, its purpose is to watch the actions of the user. It is tricky to detect spyware, as it can infect users' systems without their knowledge. Spywares are better at hiding themselves. We can use antispyware to remove spyware. Rather than prevention, antispyware programs are more effective in the removal stage. It is less harmful than malware. It cannot replicate itself.

Malware v/s Spyware

Now, let's see the comparison chart between Malware and Spyware. We are comparing both terms based on some characteristics.

So, spyware is a type of malware, and not all malware are spyware. Hence, it is best to read all documents before installing software. It is also important to occasionally clean the computer by using anti-virus and anti-malware.

So, that's all about the article. Hope you find it helpful and informative.