What exactly is a computer worm? A computer worm is a form of malware specifically designed to attack networks by invading weak points found in common operating systems. The worm then copies itself into other computers with the intent of wreaking havoc and interfering with normal computer operations. Worms are created by programmers for use in the coding of computer programs. There are literally hundreds of different types of computer worms that exist, and they are used for numerous applications.
The most common application of a computer worm is to spread itself throughout a network. Worms are able to spread through networks easily because they are highly customizable and can infect many different devices. They spread by duplicating themselves once infected, spreading throughout a network until it has taken hold and begins to wreak havoc. In some cases, the damage can be severe and cannot be remedied by normal means. An infected computer might simply not be able to function in the same way it did before being infected; this means that an entire network can be crippled.
Malicious software is capable of spreading through the use of worms and viruses. These are computer programs that have been designed to do harm to your computers without your consent or knowledge. There are two distinct categories of these harmful attacks: human generated and malicious software. The types of attacks include:
Human-Generated Antivirus Software is the primary means of infection. It pretends to be an antivirus tool but in reality is a virus that will spread through files, emails, and other mediums. These are sometimes hidden within email attachments. Once on a computer, the malicious code will continue to duplicate itself until it finds an acceptable host to attach itself to. Once attached, the malicious code infects the host and begins to duplicate its copy. Once it has begun to replicate, it will attempt to steal sensitive information and perform other harmful functions.
Computer worms are similar to viruses in that they are also spread through files, emails, and other mediums. However, unlike viruses, worms have malicious coding that will exploit security vulnerabilities. Once on a computer system, these worms and viruses can exploit any security vulnerability through a process called “intrusion vulnerability” (or intrusion). One way that worms gain access to a system is through security vulnerabilities found on the Internet or through files passed on in emails.
When worms and viruses are passed on from one computer system to another, they are referred to as “partners.” When the programs in question create their own copies of themselves, it is referred to as “cysts.” Other ways that these types of malicious programs are spread is through email attachments. Once downloaded into the recipient’s computer, the infected file is used to search the system for vulnerable files and then infects them.
Unlike viruses and worms, malware infections do not replicate themselves. Instead, they attack a computer and then leave behind remnants after rebooting or shutting down. Some examples of this type of attack include worms, Trojan horses, data capturing programs, spyware, and keyloggers. The actual techniques these types of attacks use are often tricky or hidden. For example, a worm might create itself in an email attachment and then use inconspicuous codes to propagate throughout the network.
There are many reasons why worms work their way into a computer. Some worms spread through vulnerability finder websites that are designed to let users know if they have any security vulnerabilities on their computers. Worms may also spread through compromised email attachments. Some worms can even spread through a computer system when software is downloaded without the proper permissions. While there are ways to stop these types of attacks, once they begin, it is often too late to get to the root of the problem, and vulnerabilities usually don’t appear again for several months.