Malware. Ransomware. To the average person, they seem like the same thing – they are viruses that can wreak havoc on your computer. In this guide, we are going to compare malware vs ransomware so you know the differences between the two so you have a better idea of how to remove said virus.

Malware vs Ransomware

Since 2016, there have been more than 4,000 ransomware attacks every day.

This may sound like a large number, but out of the hundreds of million malware attacks that happen every year, ransomware makes up a small number. So what’s the difference between normal malware attacks and ransomware attacks?

Take a look at this guide to learn the difference between malware vs ransomware.

What Is Malware?

Any code or program that’s malicious, such as bugs, viruses, bots, rootkits worms, adware, Trojans, and spyware, is a type of malware. These types of malicious programs give attackers the ability to take control over other people’s systems.

Malware gets onto your computer by tricking you to load the programs yourself. For example, you might get malware by opening a malicious email, downloading attachments, or using online messaging applications.

Once in your computer, the malware installs malicious codes into your system. As a result, you can’t control the system anymore.

There are many different kinds of malware out there. Even ransomware is a type of malware, but there are a few key differences between the two.

What Is Ransomware?

Though ransomware is a form of malware, it is much more dangerous than most other malicious programs. Attackers use ransomware to target specific organizations or individuals.

Like malware, an attacker can gain complete control over your system with ransomware. But you can’t get access to your information until you pay the attacker a ransom. This means they have full liberty over your personal, business, sensitive, and confidential files.

Ransomware is a lot more detailed and complicated than other malware, so attackers can use it in several different ways.

For example, they might make the ransomware lock your computer screen so you can’t get back on. Or they might use the ransomware to encrypt all your files so you don’t have access to them anymore.

Either way, you won’t be able to get control of your system back from an attacker who uses ransomware until you pay the amount they’re asking for.

What Are the Main Differences Between the Two?

Most malware finds it’s way to your computer through other means. It might be attached to an email, social media post, or another type of document. An attacker can deliver ransomware straight to your computer. They can physically put the ransomware on your computer through a USB drive or give it to you over the internet.

Ransomware is also more dangerous than normal malware. But the main difference between the two is the ransom.

In order to gain control of your system back from the attacker, you have to pay them a ransom. This isn’t something you’ll find with other kinds of malware.

Knowing the Difference Between Malware vs Ransomware

Because malware refers to any malicious program or code, ransomware is a form of malware. But when it comes to malware vs ransomware, malware isn’t as complicated or problematic.

Attackers tend to use ransomware to target specific people and companies. They use it to take control of a computer system and won’t give that control back until they receive the ransom they’ve asked for.

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