Difference Between Malware Adware and Spyware

The main difference between malware adware and spyware is that the malware is a software program that is designed to damage a computer, server or a computer network while the adware and spyware are two types of malware. Adware provides revenue to the developer by generating online advertisement on the user’s interface. Spyware tracks the activities and gathers information about the user without his consent.

Nowadays, it has become a difficult task for individuals and organizations to protect their data and resources. There are software programs created intentionally to affect the functionalities of the computer and devices in the network. This type of software is known as malware. Malware covers a broad range of malicious programs including viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, adware and spyware. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Malware
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Adware
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is Spyware
     – Definition, Functionality
4. What is the Difference Between Malware Adware and Spyware
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Malware, Adware, Spyware, Computer Security

What is Malware

Malware refers to malicious software. It can affect the entire functionality of the system. It covers a broad spectrum. Some common malware types include computer virus, worm, Trojan horse, adware and spyware.

Virus is a main type of malware. It can harm the computer by replicating itself. It can enter the computer in various ways. Downloading virus affected files from the internet, using virus affected flash drives and email attachments are some of them. Once a virus spreads through the system, it can damage the system resources, destroy data in files and folders and change functionalities. Furthermore, viruses can cause network issues and change configuration settings.

Figure 1: Malware

Another common malware type is a computer worm. It is self-replicating and capable of duplicating itself. It becomes a part of the operating system without the user’s consent. The uncontrollable replications in a worm consume more resources and minimize the speed of the system. Usually, worms can enter the system through a network or by storage media such as USB drives or floppy disks etc.

Trojans appear to be safe programs for the user. So, the user assumes that it is a genuine program and executes it. This type of malware is hidden inside email attachments or free downloads. It can access user’s confidential details such as personnel and financial details. Moreover, it can also get access to the system files and resources.

What is Adware

Adware provides revenue for the developer by generating online advertisements in the user interface. Therefore, adware is an advertisement support software. Adware allows gaining profit in two ways. It can generate profit by displaying the advertisement or when the user clicks on the advertisement. They can appear as popup windows, static boxes, banners, etc. Overall, adware analyzes the user’s location and monitors the internet browsing habits such as frequently visited sites. Furthermore, it can reduce the device performance.

What is Spyware

Spyware installs into the user’s device unknowingly. It works as tracking software. When spyware is installed into the system, the hacker can track the activities and gather information about the user without his consent. It is difficult to detect that there is a spyware present in the system.

Figure 1: Spyware Warning

A business organization can install spyware on the laptops to monitor employee browsing activities. Marketing organizations can use cookies to track the most visited web pages of the users to improve advertising. A mobile spyware installed on a mobile phone can track the browsing activities, record phone calls and monitor the user’s location. Those are a few examples of spyware usage in daily life.

Overall, spyware is a threat to data security and privacy of the user. It can minimize the processing speed and network connection speeds. A smartphone with spyware can affect the data usage and battery life.

Difference Between Malware Adware and Spyware

Definition

A malware is a software program that is intentionally created to cause damage to a computer, server or a computer network. Adware is a software program that generates revenues for a developer by automatically generating online advertisements in the user’s interface. Spyware is a software program that aims to gather information from users without their knowledge.

Types

Malware covers a range of malicious software such as Virus, Worms, Trojan horses etc. Adware and Spyware are two types of Malware.

Functionality

The malware can harm the computer in multiple ways depending on its type. It can destroy data and resources, cause configuration and network issues and many more. Adware provides profit to the developer by generating online advertisement on the user’s interface. Spyware tracks the activities and gathers information about the user without his knowledge. 

Conclusion

Malware is written specifically to infect the host system. Adware and spyware are two types of malware. The difference between Malware Adware and Spyware is that the malware is a software program that is designed to damage a computer, server or a computer network while the adware and spyware are two types of malware. Antivirus software such as Avast, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira, AVG, and Malwarebytes provide protection from Malware.

Reference:

1.“What Is Spyware? – Definition from WhatIs.com.” SearchSecurity, TechTarget, Available here.
2. “Adware.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 July 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Computer Security Symbol – Malware (rot)” by Christoph Scholz (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “spyware warning” by Andreas Pizsa (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr