Difference Between Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

Typically, there are differences in viruses, worms, and Trojan horses that are regarded as distinct kinds of dangerous software. The four each have unique behavior patterns and modes of operation which makes it imperative to come up with different techniques of how each can be detected or prevented.

In the context of information security, it is necessary to differentiate between the types of malware as a way of avoiding their impacts on computers and networks. In this article, the author shall underline what each type of malware is, how it works, and most importantly, the distinctions between them.

What is a Virus?

Virus is a computer program or software that connects itself to another software or computer program to harm the computer system. When the computer program runs attached to the virus it performs some action such as deleting a file from the computer system. The virus can’t be controlled remotely.

How Does a Virus Work?

An infected program or file contains the virus and once the host program or file is run, the virus executes its functions. It is self-propagating, and it nests itself into other applications or documents thus guaranteeing dissemination to other computers. Again, viruses are different from worms and cannot spread on their own without input from a human, for instance, running an infected file.

What is a Worm?

Worm on the other hand is a single malware program that copies itself to other computers. Worms do not have to attach themselves to an existing program which is unlike that of a virus. They take advantage of open holes in operating systems or applications and spread by possessing the ability to fix themselves on the networks and consume a great deal of computing resources which can slow down a system considerably.

How Does a Worm Work?

Worms usually propagate through the networks through link shares, e-mail attachments, or weaknesses in the programs. Once a worm has infected a system, it is capable of replicating and spreading to other systems, more so without any interference from the users of the system. Certain worms give the end attacker some form of supervisory control over infected hosts.

What is a Trojan Horse?

A Trojan horse, or Trojan for short, is a kind of virus that is disguised as a desirable piece of software. In this respect, Trojans do not self-replicate like viruses and worms but are different programs that are subversively installed in computers. Instead, they trick users into downloading these apps, typically by disguising themselves as useful apps or by tricking the user into downloading an infected file. This type of malicious program can once installed in a system, earn for itself by stealing important details, be it Login details, or credit card details among others.

How Does a Trojan Horse Work?

A Trojan commonly works by creating some kind of gateway (or ‘backdoor’) that can be used to compromise the target system. By keystrokes they can record the motions a person makes on the keys, snap pictures of the screen, and transfer information unknowingly by the user. Trojans can be disguised as other programs that are beneficial to the user. Thereby, the user permits access to the system.

Difference Between Virus, Worm, and Trojan Horse

Conclusion

Two broad categories of Malware are Viruses, Worms, and Trojan horses and it is important to have a distinction to enable safe practices. Although all three are dangerous and can lead to various forms of harm, they are different in the methods of their functioning and the measures directed at preventing them. Understanding the features and actions of different kinds of viruses benefits users by preventing the deterioration of their systems and information.

Difference Between Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse – FAQs

What is the main difference between a virus and a worm?

The primary distinction between bacteriocins and antibiotics is therefore based on how they are reproduced. A virus becomes a part of other programs and needs a person’s intervention to propagate, while a worm is an independent program that reproduces and spreads on its own.

Can a Trojan horse replicate itself?

In fact, a Trojan horse does not replicate itself, unlike viruses and worms in the computer. However, it tricks people into downloading it, by mimicking an authentic application.

How can I protect my computer from malware?

To avoid getting infected by malware, update your operating system and software when they are available, use appropriate antivirus and anti-malware software, do not download files from unknown sources, and do not trust unknown emails and links.

See Also

What Is a Computer Worm?

How do worms spread across networks?

Worms are able to propagate themselves across the networks and other attached systems through using the weaknesses in the operating systems and the applications, create new copies of themselves and send those copies to the other devices on the same network through the e-mail or other networking connections.

What are some common signs of a Trojan horse infection?

Some of the symptoms that may be noticed when a computer is infected are display of pop up advertisem*nts, slow operation, changes in the properties, access to files as well as networking without permission and, unusual execution on the network.