What is the Difference Between Spyware, Virus, Worm, Trojan, etc?

Spyware, Virus, Worm, Trojan, etc. What's the Difference? What malware can do Collects marketing data about you without your knowledge, and displays unwanted advertisements on your computer. Adware Gathers personal and confidential information, and shares it with others without your consent. Spyware Claims your computer has a virus, then "scares" you to pay for fake antivirus software to remove it. Avalid possword Ransomware Alters your computer system so you're unable to log on, then demands payment to have your computer unlocked. Scareware Secretly records every keystroke and/or your computer screen to steal passwords and other confidential information. Keylogging & Screen Scrapping How malware gets on your computer Exploits a browser vulnerability such as a security flaw or outdated browser, or a vulnerability in Java/Flash. Web Browsers Exposes your personal and confidential information to hackers by opening a "backdoor" to your computer after downloading a file or program that is disguised as something good but is actually bad (e.g. trojan horse). Trojans Attacks through the internet, emails or contaminated files, then automatically replicates itself. Viruses require human action to spread to other computers, whereas worms spread by themselves. Virus & Worms