Difference between trojan virus and spyware

Skip to content. Change Language. Related Articles. Table of Contents. Improve Article. Save Article. Like Article. Last Updated : 20 Jun, Spyware : Spyware is a type of malware that perform certain works include watching and tracking of user actions and collecting personal data.

Spyware programs generally install themselves on system and provides profit to the third party by collecting data of system user without his consent. Malicious spyware also try to catch passwords and personal information of the users by running in background in the system.

Trojan Horse : Trojan Horse is also a type of malware which uses false and fake name for mislead users from its true intent and executing them. Trojan Horses generally install on the system as legitimate and useful software that can give unauthorized access and control of the system to the hackers.

Back orifice, Rootkit and Beast Trojan are some of the common Trojan horse which is more harmful. Once a system has a miner dropped on it and it starts mining, nothing else is needed from an adversary perspective. The miner generates revenue consistently until it is removed.

The part of the data transmission that could also contain malware such as worms or viruses that perform the malicious action: deleting data, sending spam, or encrypting data. While packet headers indicate source and destination, actual packet data is referred to as the "payload. A type of malicious software that is used by cybercriminals to target point of sale POS terminals with the intent to obtain credit card and debit card information by reading the device memory from the retail checkout point of sale system.

POS malware is released by hackers to process and steal transaction payment data. The card information, which is usually encrypted and sent to the payment authorization, is not encrypted by POS malware but sent to the cybercriminal.

Software that a user may perceive as unwanted. This may include adware, spyware, or browser hijackers. Such software may use an implementation that can compromise privacy or weaken the computer's security. Companies often bundle a wanted program download with a wrapper application and may offer to install an unwanted application, in some cases without providing a clear opt-out method.

Programs that hide the existence of malware by intercepting i. Rootkits or rootkit enabling functionality may reside at the user or kernel level in the operating system or lower to include a hypervisor, master boot record, or the system firmware. Adversaries may use rootkits to hide the presence of programs, files, network connections, services, drivers, and other system components. Anytime perceived trust is used to elicit information from groups or individuals, it is referred to as "social engineering.

Software that aims to gather information about a person or organization without their knowledge, that may send such information to another entity without the consumer's consent, or that asserts control over a device without the consumer's knowledge. Programs that systematically browse the internet and index data, including page content and links.

These web crawlers help to validate HTML code and search engine queries to identify new web pages or dead links. A type of destructive malware that contains a disk wiping mechanism such as the ability to infect the master boot record with a payload that encrypts the internal file table.

Wipers render the attacked process or component useless to the end user. Cisco Annual Cybersecurity Report. This document is provided on an "as is" basis and does not imply any kind of guarantee or warranty, including the warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. Your use of the information on the document or materials linked from the document is at your own risk. Cisco reserves the right to change or update this document at any time.

This document is part of the Cisco Security portal. Cisco provides the official information contained on the Cisco Security portal in English only. Your use of the information in the document or materials linked from the document is at your own risk. Cisco reserves the right to change or update this document without notice at any time. Ransomware Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish the victim's data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.

Viruses A computer virus is a type of malware that propagates by inserting a copy of itself into and becoming part of another program. Worms Computer worms are similar to viruses in that they replicate functional copies of themselves and can cause the same type of damage. Trojans A Trojan is another type of malware named after the wooden horse that the Greeks used to infiltrate Troy. Bots "Bot" is derived from the word "robot" and is an automated process that interacts with other network services.

Adware Software that generates revenue for its developer by automatically generating online advertisements in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. Backdoor An undocumented way of accessing a system, bypassing the normal authentication mechanisms.

Browser Hijacker Software that modifies a web browser's settings without a user's permission to inject unwanted advertising into the user's browser.

Crimeware A class of malware designed specifically to automate cybercrime. Denial of Service DOS Attacks Malicious attempts by one or more people to cause the victim, site, or node to deny service to its customers. Executable File A computer file that contains a sequence of instructions to run an automatic task when the user clicks the file icon or when it is launched via a command. Exploit A piece of software, a command, or a methodology that attacks a particular security vulnerability.

However, they are a common component of malware. Instant Messaging Applications for personal or business communication that are built around the concept of online presence detection to determine when an entity can communicate.

Table of Contents. Improve Article. Save Article. Like Article. Last Updated : 16 Jun, Malware : Malware is an umbrella term that is used to cover all types of malicious software. Malware is designed to attack on organizations, corporations, and individuals by destroy data and resources, cause error and slow down the performance. Malware can be delivered to a networked system through emails or software installations or surfing via internet.

Virus, trojan horses, worms, and spyware are the types of malware along with a few others which is more harmful. Spyware : Spyware is a type of malware that perform certain tasks include watching and tracking of user actions and collecting personal data. Spyware programs generally install themselves on user computer and provides profit to the third party by collecting data of user without his awareness. Moreover, spyware steal passwords and personal information of the users by running in background in the system.

Difference between Malware and Spyware : S.