How is a Virus Different From a Malware? Find Out Here

From ransomware to kill switch, here are explanations of some of the terms used in stories on the massive attack by the WannaCry worm:Malware

Malware is short for malicious software, or a programme written to disrupt or disable computers or networks. It can take the form of a virus or a worm.Viruses and worms

A virus is a piece of malware that needs the action of users to spread to other computers, such as sending emails, sharing files, downloading an infected file or inserting a USB stick.

Worms, on the other hand, can propagate by themselves.Ransomware

Ransomware is the term used for a piece of malware that encrypts the data on a computer, rendering it inaccessible to the user. An on-screen message usually appears demanding payment in exchange for a code to decrypt the data.Vulnerability

A flaw in software that can be exploited to distrupt the normal operation of computers or networks, including tampering with or stealing data.

A "zero day" vulnerability is one that hasn't yet been made public.Patch

An update to software that fixes a problem or a vulnerability.Phishing

Like on a piece of machinery, a kill switch in malware shuts down the spread of a virus or worm.

In the case of WannaCry, a cyber security specialist noted that it was contacting a domain name before it infected each computer, and would not infect the computer if it hadn't gotten a reply. The researcher registered the domain name to slow its spread, apparently with success. Experts warn that WannaCry's code could be changed so it does not have a kill switch.Botnet

A botnet is a network of infected computers. The infected computers can be controlled remotely, for instance to carry out attacks to overload websites.

Bitcoin is the leading so-called virtual or crypto currency. It is accepted by many businesses, especially on the internet, and can be exchanged for traditional money.