What is the Difference Between Scareware and Ransomware?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Scareware and ransomware are both types of malicious software, but they have different objectives and behaviors. Here are the key differences between the two:
Scareware:
- Scareware tricks users into purchasing unnecessary software or divulging personal information by exploiting fear and lack of knowledge.
- Its main goal is to generate profit through fraudulent means.
- Scareware is usually part of a cyber-attack, and if the user takes no action from it, it usually has no adverse effect.
- Some examples of scareware include DriveCleaner, WinAntivirus, ErrorSafe, and WinFixer.
Ransomware:
- Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim's computer or network, rendering them inaccessible.
- Its main goal is to extort money from individuals, businesses, or organizations by effectively holding their data hostage.
- Ransomware is more dangerous than scareware, as it actively blocks user access to the system or encrypted data until a ransom fee is paid.
- Some examples of ransomware include Crypto, WannaCry, Cerber, and Locky.
In summary, scareware is a form of malware that aims to scare users into purchasing or installing software, while ransomware is a more dangerous type of malware that encrypts files and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Scareware and Ransomware? Comparative Table: Scareware vs Ransomware
Comparative Table: Scareware vs Ransomware
Here is a table comparing the differences between scareware and ransomware:
| Feature | Scareware | Ransomware |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tricks users into downloading and purchasing unnecessary software | Blocks user access to the system until a ransom is paid |
| main objective | To frighten people into purchasing or installing the software | To lock your computer and encrypt your personal data for ransom |
| Examples | DriveCleaner, WinAntivirus, ErrorSafe, WinFixer, XP Antivirus | Crypto, Wanna Cry, Cerber, Locker |
| Seriousness | Less harmful as it gives unauthorized access and control of the system to the hackers | More harmful as it provides profit to the ransomware programmers by getting money from the user for unlocking the system |
| Recovery | Recovery includes running a full scan with an updated antivirus software | Recovery includes restoring the PC |
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Read more:
- Malware vs Virus
- Adware vs Spyware
- Virus vs Antivirus
- Freeware vs Shareware
- Risk vs Threat
- Fear vs Scared
- Antivirus vs Internet Security
- Antivirus vs Firewall
- Extortion vs Blackmail
- Vulnerability vs Threat
- Virus vs Worm
- Avast vs AVG
- Theft vs Extortion
- Cracker vs Hacker
- Bribery vs Blackmail
- Freeware vs Open Source
- Risk vs Vulnerability
- Robbery vs Extortion
- Cyber Crime vs Computer Forensics