Worm Explained

Computer worms are similar to virus files by design. Worms also spread from one computer to another, but unlike a virus, it has the capability to travel without any human action.

Worms spread during the transport of files or information on a computer or network system. It takes advantage of file or information transport features on your system, which is what allows it to travel unaided. Nobody needs to run an infected program: the worms spread without human action. The biggest danger with a worm is its capability to replicate itself on your system, so rather than your computer sending out a single worm, it could send out hundreds or thousands of copies of itself, creating a huge devastating effect.

Because of the worm’s ability to move across networks a further effect is that the worm eats away at the system memory of a PC - and wastes a network's bandwidth too. What eventually happens is that a computer user's system, along with internet servers and network servers, can be slowed down or even brought to a standstill.

Differences Between Computer Virus And Computer Worm:

> Virus Requires user interaction.

   Worms Do not require any user interaction.

> Virus Spreads slower than worms, because of the need for human interaction.

   Worms Spreads quickly, because there is no need for human interaction.

> Virus Are not the primary mechanism of attack of hackers. But

   Worms are hacker’s best friend.

> Virus Can be caught via the user of antivirus software.

   Worms Cannot be easily detected by antivirus software.

> Virus need a host file to move from system to system.

   Worms doesnt need a host file to move from system to system.

> Virus are actually designed to travel from file to file within a single computer.

   Worms on the other hand, are specifically designed to travel between computers.

This isn't to say that viruses can't travel between computers. Worms may not damage the individual computers, but they can definitely jam up a network. Fortunately, they afflict more network administrators than home users.

Read Other Parts Of This Post :
Malware : Introduction, Virus, Worms, Trojan Horse
Other Security Threats : Part 1, Part 2, Innovative Ways To Fight Against Malware