The terms ‘Virus’ and ‘Trojan’ are often heard in the realm of technology. Although different through their fundamental make up, they share one common trait- they are bad news for computer users around the world. And yes, the manner in which they are a threat also differs.
For starters a virus is a malicious code that is capable of attaching itself to an executable file, thus making it possible for itself in performing actions on the computer which may or may not harm the user.
Trojans are malware – programs designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer system – that disguise themselves as legitimate software fooling users to install them in the system. This enables hackers to gain control over the system for malicious purposes.
Several other differences between virus and trojan will be highlighted in the article. The information will be of immense use in the Science and Technology segment of the UPSC Exams.
Difference Between Virus and Trojan-Download PDF Here
What are the fundamental differences between Virus and Trojan?
The difference between a virus and trojan are highlighted below:
| Difference Between Virus and Trojan |
| Virus | Trojan |
| A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file which can be harmless or can modify or delete data. | Trojan Horse is a form of malware that captures some important information about a computer system or a computer network. |
| The purpose of a virus is to change the information or even the functioning of the computer | The main purpose of the Trojan is to steal valuable data from the system |
| Viruses are more harmful as they are capable of rendering the entire system inoperable | Trojans are less harmful in comparison to Virus but the impact of a Trojan will depend upon the value of the data stolen |
| Antivirus softwares are used for protection against viruses. | Trojan horses are detected by the antivirus software. |
| Virus cannot be remotely controlled | Trojan Horses can be controlled remotely |
| Executable files are the methods through which a virus can be employed in the system | Trojans are deployed with the help of software programs |
| Resident and Non -resident viruses are two types of viruses. | Back orifice, Rootkit, and Beast Trojan are some of the common Trojan horses. |
| Virus have the capability to replicate themselves within the system | Trojans lack the capability to replicate themselves |
| The spreading rate of viruses is moderate. | The spreading rate of Trojan horse is slow in comparison to viruses. |
Frequently asked questions about Difference Between Virus and Trojan
Q1
Are Trojans and Virus the same?
Trojans are not viruses, but they are a type of malware. People sometimes refer to “Trojan viruses” or “Trojan horse viruses,” but there’s no such thing.
Q2
Are all Trojans viruses?
A Trojan is sometimes called a Trojan virus or a Trojan horse virus, but that’s a misnomer. Viruses can execute and replicate themselves. A Trojan cannot. A user has to execute Trojans.
Q3
Can Trojan virus be removed?
Trojan viruses can be removed in various ways. If you know which software contains the malware, you can simply uninstall it. However, the most effective way to remove all traces of a Trojan virus is to install antivirus software capable of detecting and removing Trojans.
FAQs
Unlike viruses, trojan horses do not replicate themselves, but they can be just as destructive. Trojans also open a backdoor entry to your computer, giving command to malicious actor or allowing malicious users/programs access to your system. This leads to confidential and personal information being stolen.
What is the difference between Trojan and virus? ›
What are the fundamental differences between Virus and Trojan? A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file which can be harmless or can modify or delete data. Trojan Horse is a form of malware that captures some important information about a computer system or a computer network.
What is the difference between a Trojan and a true virus? ›
Viruses are self-replicating malicious code that can infect other programs and spread across systems. While a trojan requires a user to take action that downloads and executes the malware, a virus inserts itself into an application.
What is the difference between a virus and a Trojan quizlet? ›
A Trojan horse is not a virus. It is a destructive program that looks as a genuine application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive.
What is the basic difference between a Trojan and a worm? ›
A Worm is a form of malware that replicates itself and can spread to different computers via Network. Trojan Horse is a form of malware that capture some important information about a computer system or a computer network.
Is trojan always a virus? ›
Once it infects a device, it executes its task, which may include deleting or modifying data, stealing data, installing additional malware, and disrupting system performance. However, “Trojan virus” is a misnomer, because Trojans and computer viruses are two distinct types of malware.
What is the difference between virus and malware? ›
The Difference Between Malware and a Virus
The terms malware and virus are often used interchangeably because they have significant overlap. A virus is a specific type of malware, but malware is a general term that also includes many types of malicious software that lack viruses' ability to self-replicate.
What are the differences between virus, trojan, spyware, and adware? ›
Viruses are just one type of malware. Other types include spyware, worms close wormStandalone computer malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers and Trojans close trojanMalware that appears legitimate, but performs some malicious activity when it is run..
Can Trojan virus be fake? ›
Yes, it's a scam. There is no such thing as a “Trojan virus”.
Is Zeus a virus or a Trojan? ›
Zeus Virus (or Zeus Trojan malware) is a form of malicious software that targets Microsoft Windows and is often used to steal financial data.
Malicious code is an application security threat that cannot be efficiently controlled by conventional antivirus software alone. Malicious code describes a broad category of system security terms that includes attack scripts, viruses, worms, Trojan horses, backdoors and malicious active content.
Which definition describes a virus a Trojan? ›
A virus is a program that attempts to damage a computer system and replicate itself to other computer systems. A Trojan horse is a malicious program disguised as legitimate software.
What is the main difference between virus and worm malware? ›
What is the difference between a virus and a worm? A worm can self-replicate and spread to other computers, while a virus cannot. A virus needs to be sent from one computer to another by a user or via software.
What is the difference between a worm and a typical virus? ›
The primary difference between a virus and a worm is that viruses must be triggered by their host/victim's interaction with the infected file. In contrast, worms are stand-alone malicious programs that can self-replicate and propagate independently as soon as they have breached the system.
What are viruses worms and Trojans common know as? ›
Malware is a malicious software which is typically used to infect computers or networks. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, adware, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, fileless malware, cryptojacking, and hybrid malware.
Should I worry about a Trojan virus? ›
Depending on what type of Trojan horse or virus you have, intruders may have access to your personal information and may even be using your computer to attack other computers. You can stop this activity by turning off your Internet connection.
Is Zeus a virus or a trojan? ›
Zeus Virus (or Zeus Trojan malware) is a form of malicious software that targets Microsoft Windows and is often used to steal financial data.
What are the 4 types of malware? ›
Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.
