Can enter through security holes or by tricking you (Trojans). Usually to corrupt data or spread as far as possible. Can vary from stealing data to holding files for ransom. 4. How to Stay Protected
Once active, a virus might do anything from showing annoying messages to deleting your entire operating system. 3. Key Differences: Virus vs. Malware
Modern security suites catch malware before it can execute.
When you run the infected program or open the infected file, the virus code executes.
Software updates often include "patches" for security holes that malware exploits.