What is a malware virus?

A malware virus is virus software spread through malicious programs or software - known as malware. Malware is short for ‘malicious software’ and is another term for ‘computer virus’. It can only be stopped with computer virus protection software.

Types of malware virus

Malware viruses includes viruses, worms, trojans and other programs used to automatically conduct malicious activity, including:

• A computer virus
• A worm virus
• A trojan virus or trojan horse virus
• Malicious tools such as spyware and rootkits
• Adware, scareware and crimeware

Virus definitions

A computer virus is a virus software program that can copy itself and infect a computer. It can be spread through the internet, including e-mail and the world wide web.

A worm virus or computer worm is a self-replicating virus program. It spreads through computer networks.

A trojan virus, or trojan horse virus, is a computer program that appears to be legitimate but it actually results in unauthorised access of the victim computer’s files.

Spyware is a virus that collects information about a computer user without their knowledge. It can be very difficult to detect. A rootkit is virus software also hidden from the user, but it allows hackers to have continual access to that computer.

Adware, while usually harmless, is the nuisance of pop-up ads invading your computer screen. However, it can be dangerous when it is coupled with spyware or other malware. Crimeware is malware designed to steal the identity of computer users.

Scareware is scam software. Often, it is for fake virus removal tools! This is why you should always use an established, proven security software company such as Kaspersky Labs for your computer virus protection needs.

Free virus removal tool

If your computer is infected with a virus and does not have an up-to-date antivirus solution, use Kaspersky’s Instant Virus Scanner for free virus removal and to check your entire system.

Get antivirus software

As soon as the virus remover has done its job, you should remove the tool and install an antivirus software program to suit your needs.