Please distinguish between a malware and a virus. How are they same and how are they different? Please discuss the differences between HIDS and NIDS Solution Malware The word Malware is short for malicious software, and is a general term used to describe all of the viruses, worms, spyware, and pretty much anything that is specifically designed to cause harm to your PC or steal your information. Viruses The term computer virus is often used interchangeably with malware, though the two don\'t actually have the same meaning. In the strictest sense, a virus is a program that copies itself and infects a PC, spreading from one file to another, and then from one PC to another when the files are copied or shared. Most viruses attach themselves to executable files, but some can target a master boot record, autorun scripts, MS Office macros, or even in some cases, arbitrary files. Many of these viruses, like CIH, are designed to render your PC completely inoperable, while others simply delete or corrupt your files—the general point is that a virus is designed to cause havoc and break stuff. Host intrusion detection systems (HIDS) and network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) are methods of security management for computers and networks. In HIDS, anti-threat applications such as firewalls, antivirus software and spyware-detection programs are installed on every network computer that has two-way access to the outside environment such as the Internet. In NIDS, anti-threat software is installed only at specific points such as servers that interface between the outside environment and the network segment to be protected. All methods of intrusion detection (ID) involve the gathering and analysis of information from various areas within a computer or network to identify possible threats posed by hackers and crackers inside or outside the organization. Host-based and network-based ID systems have their respective advantages and limitations. The most effective protection for a proprietary network is provided by a combination of both technologies. .

1. Please distinguish between a malware and a virus. How are they same and how are they
different?
Please discuss the differences between HIDS and NIDS
Solution
Malware
The word Malware is short for malicious software, and is a general term used to describe all of
the viruses, worms, spyware, and pretty much anything that is specifically designed to cause
harm to your PC or steal your information.
Viruses
The term computer virus is often used interchangeably with malware, though the two don't
actually have the same meaning. In the strictest sense, a virus is a program that copies itself and
infects a PC, spreading from one file to another, and then from one PC to another when the files
are copied or shared. Most viruses attach themselves to executable files, but some can target a
master boot record, autorun scripts, MS Office macros, or even in some cases, arbitrary files.
Many of these viruses, like CIH, are designed to render your PC completely inoperable, while
others simply delete or corrupt your files—the general point is that a virus is designed to cause
havoc and break stuff.
Host intrusion detection systems (HIDS) and network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) are
methods of security management for computers and networks. In HIDS, anti-threat applications
such as firewalls, antivirus software and spyware-detection programs are installed on every
network computer that has two-way access to the outside environment such as the Internet. In
NIDS, anti-threat software is installed only at specific points such as servers that interface
between the outside environment and the network segment to be protected.
All methods of intrusion detection (ID) involve the gathering and analysis of information from
various areas within a computer or network to identify possible threats posed by hackers and
crackers inside or outside the organization. Host-based and network-based ID systems have their
respective advantages and limitations. The most effective protection for a proprietary network is
provided by a combination of both technologies.