A computer virus, worm, and trojan horse are all types of malware, but they spread and operate differently. A virus attaches to legitimate files and requires user interaction to spread, while a worm is self-replicating and spreads independently through networks. A trojan, on the other hand, disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and installing it.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Virus:
Definition: A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files.
Spread: It needs user interaction to spread, such as opening an infected file or running a program containing the virus.
Self-replication: It can replicate itself by infecting other files.
Worm:
Definition: A worm is a standalone program that self-replicates and spreads independently through networks.
Spread: It doesn’t need to attach to a host program, and it can spread through vulnerabilities in the network or by exploiting user actions.
Self-replication: It can replicate itself without requiring user interaction.
Trojan Horse:
Definition:
A trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and installing it.
Spread:
It’s often spread through email attachments, fake downloads, or seemingly legitimate software.
Self-replication:
Unlike viruses and worms, a trojan doesn’t typically self-replicate, but it can be used to install other malicious software.
Viruses vs Worms vs Trojan Horses: What’s the Differences?
In essence, the key difference lies in how they spread and the user’s role in the infection process: viruses require user interaction to spread, worms spread independently, and trojans rely on deception to gain entry