“Malware” and “computer viruses” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.

“Malware” and “computer viruses” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.

- source Malwarebytes

1. A computer virus requires a host program.
2. A computer virus requires user action to transmit from one system to another.
3. A computer virus attaches bits of its own malicious code to other files or replaces files outright with copies of itself.

https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/security-awareness/ransomware/malware-vs-viruses.html

The five types of malware

Besides viruses, multiple other types of malware can infect not only desktops, laptops, and servers, but also smartphones. Malware categories include the following:

• Worms. A worm is a standalone program that can self-replicate ......
•