Difference between Malware and Ransomware Last Updated : 22 Jun, 2020 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report 1. Malware : Malware is an umbrella term that is used to describe all types of malicious software. Malware can be used by attackers to perform variety of malicious actions like spying on the target using spyware, destroying data and resources, causing error in the system and slow down the performance. Virus, Trojan horses, worms and spyware are the various types of malware along with a few others. 2. Ransomware : Ransomware is a type of malware that is designed to block user access from own system until a ransom fee is paid to ransomware creator. Ransomware is a lot dangerous than a regular malware and spread through phishing emails having infected attachments. Ransomware has emerged over the last few years and can attack individuals or organizations. Difference between Malware and Ransomware : S.No. Malware Ransomware 1. Malware is any file or a malicious code, designed to cause damage to a user’s personal computer and network. Ransomware is a form of malware designed to block access from system until a ransom fee is paid. 2. Malware refers to a lot of different malicious software. Ransomware is one of the type of malware. 3. Malware is delivered via emails, software installations, USB or surfing through internet. Ransomware is generally spread through phishing emails having malicious attachments. 4. All other malware programs are less harmful than Ransomware and can be removed by using antivirus progrmas. Ransomware is more harmful among all the malware as the only way of removal is to pay a ransom to its creator. 5. Virus, trojan horses, worms and spyware are the various types of malware along with a few others. Ransomware are of only two types- crypto and locker. 6. It can control data and resources, cause error, destroy system and slow down the performance. It provides profit to the ransomware programmers by getting money from user for unlocking the system. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Difference between Malware and Ransomware A ashushrma378 Follow Improve Article Tags : Computer Networks Difference Between Information-Security Network-security Similar Reads Difference Between Malware and Spyware In the digital age, numerous varieties of cyber threats are important for preserving and protecting records safely. Among many malicious software programs, two terms frequently encountered are "malware" and "spyware." While both are substantial threats to computer systems and private records, they s 3 min read Difference between Scareware and Malware 1. Scareware : Scareware is a form of malware that is malicious software that poses as legitimate computer security software and claims to detect a variety of threats on the affected computer that do not actually exist. The users are then informed that they have to purchase the scareware in order to 2 min read Difference between Virus and Malware Virus and Malware are the terms that we use in Computer and cyber security. Both of the terms are different. A virus is a type of malware that infects a file or corrupts the data in your system whereas malware is a type of malicious software that destroys a computer when hackers target the user they 8 min read Difference between Worms and Malware All essential information is available online or stored on the computer. We use social media to chat with each other, use UPI to pay online, etc. With the boom of the internet and software, data breaches are major concerns of internet users and organizations these days. Malicious Software or Malware 5 min read Difference between Software and Liveware 1. Software : Software, as name suggest, is simply a type of software systems or application that includes collection of programs, documentation and operating procedures as well as control and manage hardware components of computer system. 2. Liveware : Liveware, as name suggests, is simply defined 2 min read Like