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Think your device is clean? Think again.
Hidden malware can lurk in plain sight—stealing data, slowing performance, and compromising your security.
Read the blog to uncover the red flags and take back control before it’s too late.
Malware and ransomware are two types of malicious software that can severely impact your systems by damaging devices or stealing sensitive data. The consequences of downloading such harmful software can be far-reaching. In 2024 alone, over 60 million new strains of malware were discovered online, highlighting the growing risks.
Understanding the differences between these threats is essential for protecting your organisation.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of both types of cyber threats and how to safeguard against them.
What is Malware?
Malware is an umbrella term for “malicious software” that encompasses various harmful programs designed to compromise your system. Depending on its type, malware can cause a range of detrimental effects to your devices and data. Below are the four primary categories of malware:
- Viruses: These spread from one computer to another.
- Worms: They can copy themselves without your help.
- Trojans: They deceive you into thinking they’re typical programs.
- Spyware: This type records your activity on your computer.
Malware can cause severe problems. If malware gains access to your device, it can:
- Slow down your computer
- Delete your files
- Steal your personal info
- Use your computer to attack others
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts your files or entire system, rendering them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to your data. This type of cyberattack is effectively a form of digital extortion, targeting your valuable information.
Ransomware tends to follow a similar pattern:
- It infects your computer, normally through an e-mail or download.
- It encrypts your files. This means it locks them with a code only the hacker knows.
- It displays a message. The message requests money to decrypt your files.
- You may be provided with a key to unlock the files if you pay. In other cases, the attackers abscond with your money.
As of 2024, the average cost of recovering from a ransomware attack has reached $2.73 million, according to Sophos’ State of Ransomware 2024 report. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous year’s average of $1.82 million. The report also indicates that 63% of ransom demands in 2024 were $1 million or more, with 30% exceeding $5 million, underscoring the escalating financial impact of such cyber threats.
There are primarily two types of ransomware:
- Locker ransomware: This locks the whole computer.
- Crypto ransomware: This only encrypts your files.
How are Malware and Ransomware Different?
The primary distinction between malware and ransomware lies in their intent and behavior. While malware is generally designed to cause damage, disrupt systems, or steal sensitive information, ransomware specifically aims to extort money by locking access to files or systems and demanding payment for their release.
Malware often operates covertly, remaining undetected while it compromises data or system integrity. In contrast, ransomware is overt by design—once activated, it clearly notifies the user of the attack and presents a ransom demand. Understanding these differences is essential to developing targeted prevention and response strategies.
How Do They Gain Access to Get Onto Your Computer?
Malware and ransomware can access your computer in several ways
These include:
- Through email attachments
- Via phony websites
- Via a USB drive with an infection
- From using outdated software
These are the most common methods, but new techniques are on the rise. Fileless malware was expected to grow 65% in 2024, and AI-assisted malware may make up 20% of strains in 2025. If your device becomes infected by malware or ransomware, it’s important to act quickly. You should know these signs of infection to protect yourself.
For malware:
- Your computer is slow
- Strange pop-ups appear
- Programs crash often
For ransomware:
- You can’t open your files
- You see a ransom note on your screen
- Your desktop background changes to a warning
How Can you Protect Yourself?
You can take steps to stay safe from both malware and ransomware. First, here are some general safety tips for malware and ransomware:
- Keep your software up to date
- Use strong passwords
- Don’t click on strange links or attachments
- Backup your files regularly
For malware specifically, you can protect yourself by using anti-virus programs and being selective with what you download. To stay safe from ransomware, take offline backups of your files and use ransomware-specific protection tools.
What to Do If You’re Attacked
If you suspect that you have malware or ransomware, take action right away.
For Malware:
- Go offline
- Run full anti-virus
- Delete infected files
- Change all your passwords
For Ransomware:
- Go offline
- Don’t pay the ransom (it may not work!)
- Report the attack to the police
- Restore your files from a backup
Why It Pays to Know the Difference
Knowing the difference between malware and ransomware can help with better protection. This will help you respond in the best way when attacked. The more you know what you are against, the better your chance at taking the right steps to keep yourself safe.
If you are under attack, knowing what type of threat it is helps you take quicker action. You can take proper steps towards rectifying the problem and keeping your data safe.
Stay Safe in the Digital World
The digital landscape presents numerous threats, but with vigilance and informed practices, you can significantly reduce your risk. Understanding the distinctions between malware and ransomware, and maintaining strong cybersecurity habits, are key to safeguarding your systems and data.
If your organisation needs support in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges, we’re here to help. For expert guidance and tailored protection strategies, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our goal is to help you stay secure in an ever-evolving digital world.