Virus

A virus is a type of malicious software designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. It attaches itself to legitimate programs or files, and when these are executed, the virus activates, potentially damaging or altering data, disrupting system operations, or degrading performance.

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is a broad term encompassing any software intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer, server, or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Malware can steal data, encrypt files, spy on user activities, or disrupt system functionality.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a specific type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data or locks them out of their system, rendering files or entire systems inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, to restore access. Ransomware attacks can be devastating, leading to significant financial losses and operational downtime.

In summary, a virus is a subset of malware that replicates and spreads, malware is a broad category of harmful software, and ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.