Malware in a broad sense is a combination of "computer viruses," a term used to describe a variety of harmful programs intended to cause damage to computer systems. Malware can come in many forms but often belongs to one of several types such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

Virus

A computer virus is an innovative program created by hackers to break the security of your computer and cause damage to your system. They could access your computer by installing malware reading email attachments or using your web browser.

After your computer's security has been harmed, a computer virus can execute a wide range of undesired actions such as slowing down your computer, destroying important files, and even corrupting your operating system. Some viruses are even designed to steal your personal information such as passwords & bank details.

You must install antivirus software to protect your computer from these dangerous risks. This program can quickly detect and remove viruses before they cause serious harm. When downloading files from unknown sites or clicking on links you should always proceed cautiously because doing so could significantly decrease your risk of computer infections.

Worm

Worms are independent programs that may transmit freely via a network, using different defects to enter new systems instead of viruses, which need an already-running program to infect. In search of new targets to infect and multiply on they can exploit security flaws in operating systems, email systems, or even social media sites.

Worms can harm infected computers in many ways, including deleting important data and reducing system performance. Some worms are even made to turn infected computers into "zombies," which may then be used to execute simultaneous attacks on other systems while still being performed automatically by the worm's developer.

Worms' capacity to self-replicate and change making them challenging to find and delete may be one of their most dangerous characteristics. Some worms even can change their code as they spread and use secure encryption methods to avoid being discovered by antivirus software.

Maintaining the most recent security updates and fixes for your software and operating system is essential to protect yourself against these malicious bugs. Also, you must always use it carefully during downloading files or opening attachments because these are frequently used as delivery systems for worm viruses.

Trojan

A Trojan horse is a virus attack that manipulates users into installing it on their computer by presenting itself as a helpful or harmless tool. Once activated, it can carry out various harmful acts, including stealing confidential data and attacking other systems.

The word "Trojan horse" derives from the famous story in ancient Greek literature according to which the Greeks attacked the city of Troy by disguising themselves within a massive wooden horse. Similarly, a Trojan horse is designed to trick its victims into downloading and using the app by employing social engineering techniques.

Trojan horses can appear as attractive games productivity applications or even perfectly harmless software upgrades. They might also pretend to email or file attachments tricking unsuspecting users into downloading and installing the application without their knowledge.

Depending on the specific characteristics and purpose of the software, a Trojan horse can carry out various horrific acts once installed. Certain Trojans can control the victim's computer and use it as a part of a larger network while others can steal personal information like login passwords or financial information.

Distinguishing factors of viruses, worms, and Trojan horses:

Worms slow down the system by consuming power, whereas viruses aim to change or delete data. Trojan horses on the other side are mainly designed to steal user data or give the attacker access to the system. Worms use security bugs to spread whereas viruses attach themselves to other files. On the other side, Trojan horses use hackers to manipulate the user into installing them.
While an attacker must remotely control Trojan horses, viruses and worms can usually operate independently. In other words, Trojan horses need the attacker to send commands directly to operate properly whereas viruses and worms can independently carry out their harmful software.
Viruses are computer programs that can infect other programs or files and execute their harmful activity, from modifying or deleting files to stealing sensitive information. On the other hand, worms are a self-replicate program that spreads to other systems without any human involvement. They are known for consuming significant system resources, resulting in system slowdowns.
On the other hand, trojan horses are seemingly harmless programs or files that trick users into installing them. They hide their Harmful code as an open file or program once installed, they can steal sensitive information or provide unauthorized access to the attacker.
When it comes to spreading, viruses often do so by infecting files and transmitting them through spreading infected devices or data. Worms on the other hand can spread much more quickly by using network defects or taking advantage of human behavior like clicking on an infected link or downloading a harmful attachment.
Trojan horses can be used for various harmful objectives such as stealing user data or allowing the attacker illegal access which can have serious repercussions including identity fraud and financial fraud.