All these types of malicious software, or malware, pose a serious threat to your computer and data. 4 A virus invades a computer and copies, deletes or damages data. 4 A worm is a virus that reproduces itself and spreads to other computers. 4 A Trojan (short for Trojan horse) is a virus that, despite appearing to be good or helpful, actually destroys your data, damages your computer, and steals your personal information. 4 Spyware is software that tracks your online activity, can launch numerous pop-up ads, and may steal your personal information or change your computer settings without your knowing.