Malware is not ransomware: Why it is important to understand the differences

Today, browsing the internet is almost as common as walking in the countryside—if not more so. Whether for work, communication, shopping, or entertainment, the Internet has become an integral part of our lives. However, as digitalization expands, so too do the risks we face online. Among the many threats, one of the most alarming in recent years is the rise of ransomware campaigns.

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Ransomware is a type of attack that has gained significant notoriety in recent years. Cybercriminals use this method to hijack your files or devices and demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrencies, in exchange for restoring access. Quite the nightmare, isn’t it? Indeed, it is. Unfortunately, many people still believe this threat is just another form of “malware.”

While there are many similarities between the two terms, they are fundamentally different, and everyone should be aware of these distinctions. To safely navigate the vast ocean of the internet, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what ransomware and malware are. Below, we will explain their key differences and how AVG AntiVirus can be your best ally in defending against both threats—completely free of charge.

What is the Difference Between Malware and Ransomware?

Although people tend to use the terms “malware” and “ransomware” interchangeably, they represent distinct threats that require different approaches for prevention and removal. Let’s break down what each one is and why it’s essential to understand their differences to secure your safety online.

Malware vs. Ransomware: What Are They?

First, let’s discuss malware. Malware, short for “malicious software,” is a broad term that encompasses any type of software designed to harm, infect, or gain unauthorized access to a device. This term includes many subcategories such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and yes, ransomware itself also falls under this category.

Malware can steal your personal information, spy on your activities, bombard you with unwanted ads, or use your computing resources to launch attacks on other systems. The worst part is that, in many cases, you may not even realize you’ve been infected. You could be browsing peacefully or downloading a seemingly harmless application, while in the background, your device is being used for illicit purposes.

On the other hand, ransomware—short for “ransom software”—is a type of malware that seizes your information or locks access to your device and then demands a ransom to release it. This is where the critical difference lies. While other types of malware may operate silently, ransomware makes itself known with a clear message: you’ve lost control of your data, and you’ll only regain access if you pay… theoretically.

Typically, ransomware enters your device through attachments in fraudulent emails, malicious links, or by downloading infected applications. Once inside, it encrypts your files, blocking your access until you pay the ransom. But—and this is critical—even if you decide to pay, there’s no guarantee the cybercriminals will return access to your files.

Why Is It Crucial to Understand the Differences?

While ransomware is a type of malware, it is a threat in and of itself, and knowing how it differs from other types of malware is vital for ensuring your cybersecurity. Protection methods and strategies to combat each threat may vary, and if you mistakenly think ransomware is just another form of malware, you may neglect essential safeguards for your devices.

This is why, when addressing system security, it’s essential to have a comprehensive solution that protects against all types of threats while also focusing on ransomware protection. This is where AVG AntiVirus comes into play.

AVG AntiVirus: Your Best Defense Against Malware and Ransomware

AVG AntiVirus offers a wide range of comprehensive tools that are entirely free of charge. These tools detect and help to eliminate different  types of malware while specifically targeting ransomware to keep your files and devices secure.

Advanced Malware Protection with AVG AntiVirus

AVG AntiVirus features a real-time malware detection system capable of identifying and blocking threats before they can affect your device. Its database is continually updated to monitor the behavior of files and applications, detecting any suspicious activity, no matter how new the threat may be. In this way, this free antivirus helps protect you against ransomware but also against other types of malware, such as traditional viruses, trojans, and even spyware.

AVG AntiVirus performs automatic scans that regularly check your system for latent threats and eliminate them before they can cause harm. As a result, the antivirus can even detect threats that have been hidden on your device for a long time. With AVG AntiVirus‘s real-time protection, you can use your device with complete peace of mind.

Protect Your Device from Ransomware with AVG AntiVirus

One of the standout features of AVG AntiVirus is its focus on ransomware protection. Its cutting-edge ransomware detection system can identify when a program attempts to encrypt your files without authorization, stopping the attack before it completes. This way, it protects your photos, documents, and other important files from being held hostage.

AVG AntiVirus’s ransomware protection strengthens the security of your most important files While the antivirus, by default, protects folders where personal data is typically stored (such as Documents), you can also add or remove folders from the “Protected Folders” list by going to Computer > Ransomware Protection in AVG AntiVirus.

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Additionally, this protection can be fully customized with two modes: “smart mode” and “strict mode.” In intelligent mode, AVG AntiVirus’s ransomware protection uses a list of commonly trusted applications to decide which programs can modify files in protected folders. In strict mode, however, you’ll receive a notification each time any application attempts to change a file in those folders, asking for your confirmation.

With AVG AntiVirus, you’ll have a free, versatile, and effective antivirus that protects you from different types of threats, including dangerous ransomware. Defend yourself against malware and download AVG AntiVirus today—you won’t regret it.