Many businesses ask our techs what the difference is between malware and ransomware. Here are a few things that differentiate the two.

First question, what is the definition of malware and ransomware? Malware is a computer virus designed to replicate and copy itself from file to file or program to program. Ransomware is a sub-type of malware from cryptovirology that blocks access to the system unless ransom is paid.

Malware typically piggybacks on malicious links, fraudulent email attachments, social media messages, etc. Ransomware is spread through phishing emails containing malicious attachments of web-based messaging applications or through a breech or vulnerability in your system.

Malware is also referred to as a virus, worm, Trojan horse, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Malware is updated constantly and presents itself in many ways to hold data for a ransom.

The best way to protect yourself from malware is to install anti-malware programs. The only way to protect your systems from ransom, is to pay the ransom or restore your networks to backups.

Malware is a broad term that refers to all types of malicious programs. Crypto and Locker are the two main types of ransomware.