Malware that has become common these days is often confused with other forms of internet threats. Usually malware is a malicious threat in the form of software or program that can render the computer unusable. This sounds absolutely fine while looking at it casually, but by getting closer you will find its three sub groups known as viruses, adware and spyware. These threats are basically distinguished by the way in which they inflict and spread. By getting to know about these threats you can easily construe the meaning of malware and understand the entire thing because of which these programs can be labeled as malware. Viruses Viruses are the most used term to describe online threats for your computer and everyone is aware of these. Viruses are authored mainly by cyber offenders to harm your computer, multiplying itself and taking away the control of your system. Viruses can harm your PC as these can deceitfully attach themselves to benign files to get into the system without your knowledge. Viruses can also affect as worm that is known for its quick replication. So viruses, Trojans, worms all are malware but not all malware are viruses. Computer viruses refer to discrete programs that infect certain executable software and spreads to other software in case they are run. It is highly probable that viruses contain a payload that often performs other malicious actions that you cannot see. Spyware Most of us are acquainted with the term “spying” from which the name spyware is inspired. Spyware is a malware species that observes and reports about it to cyber criminals. They make a log about your activities without letting you know anything about their presence. They are designed to capture your keystroke, every mouse movement and the websites that you visit. Thus they cause huge damage to the host computer. Adware Spyware is another sub group of malware that is in the first place very annoying as it appears through pop ups during web browsing. These pop ups are meant to redirect you to a different website containing the malicious agents. Adware refers to those unwanted applications that get installed on your system without your consent. What labels a program as malware?You can say that it is the purpose or intent of the program that defines its category. If a program has malicious ends then it as a malware. Moreover, if a program is made to perform deceitful tasks like stealing your data, corrupting your program files and monitoring of your activities then it is certainly a malware. Malware is highly annoying and is purposed to expose your vital data as well as privacy. It is therefore essential to get your PC protected with an updated antivirus software or end point security system.