Difference between Malware and Adware Last Updated : 25 Mar, 2020 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report Malware: Malware is an executable binary that is malicious in nature. Malware’s can be used by attackers to perform variety of malicious actions like Spying on the target using Keyloggers or RAT’S, they can also delete your data or encrypt your data for “Ransom”. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware and other malicious programs. Types of Malware: 1. Viruses 2. Worms 3. Spyware 4. Trojan Horse 5. Logic Bombs Adware: Adware is not exactly malicious but they do breach privacy of the users. They display ads on computer’s desktop or inside individual programs. They come attached with free to use software, thus main source of revenue for such developers. They monitor your interests and display relevant ads. An attacker can embed malicious code inside the software and adware can monitor your system activities and can even compromise your machine. Advertising-supported software: 1. Application software 2. Software as a service Let's see the difference Between Malware and Adware: S.NO. MALWARE ADWARE 1 Malware is made up of two words malicious and software and it cause extensive damage to data and systems. Adware is quite similar to a spyware and it can be both intrusive and difficult to eradicate. 2 Malware is a file or a code, designed to infiltrate a user’s personal computer and network. While, it is a form of malware served as advertisements to collect your personal information. 3 Malware is more harmful. Adware is less harmful than Malware 4 Malware is distributed via emails or software installations Whereas, adware is distributed through pop-up windows. 5 They can replicate itself. While, adware can not self-replicate 6 They covers a range of malicious software. Adware is a type of malware. 7 It can destroy data and resources, cause and configuration and network issues and many time. Adware provides profit to the developer by generating online advertisement. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Difference between Malware and Adware S SHUBHAMSINGH10 Follow Improve Article Tags : Computer Networks Difference Between Information-Security Network-security Similar Reads Difference between Adware and Spyware In the Computer world, there are two types of malicious software, adware, and spyware, which are often encountered. Adware is software that displays or downloads advertisements on a user's computer system or mobile device and other hand spyware is malicious software that tracks the user behavior on 5 min read Difference between Scareware and Adware 1. Scareware : Scareware is a form of malware that is malicious software that poses as legitimate computer security software and claims to detect a variety of threats on the affected computer that do not actually exist. The users are then informed that they have to purchase the scareware in order to 2 min read Difference between Adware and Ransomware 1. Adware : Adware is not exactly malicious but they do breach privacy of the users for malicious purpose. They display ads (a pop up window appear) on computer’s desktop or inside individual programs. They mainly come attached with free to use software, thus main source of revenue for such develope 2 min read Difference between Worms and Adware 1. Worms : Worms is similar to virus but it does not modify the program. It replicate itself more and more to cause slow down the computer system. Worms can be controlled by remote. The main objective of worms to eat the system resources. 2. Adware : Adware is not exactly malicious but they do breac 2 min read Difference Between Virus and Adware Viruses and Adware are two types of malicious software that harm the functionality of computers. However, they function differently and serve different goals. A virus is a class of malware program that parasites on other programs or files, regenerates itself, and spreads through a computer system wi 6 min read Like