What is a computer worm?
An essential guide on computer worms and how they actually work
A computer worm is comparable to a computer virus, but unlike a virus a worm does not need to attach itself to an
existing program. Instead, it is able to spread copies of itself from one computer to another without being activated
by users.
Designed to spread
Some worms have the ability to send themselves to everyone in your e-mail address book - and then to everyone in their e-mail address books, making the worms capable of spreading to millions of computers within hours. In the most extreme cases, worms have affected computer networks worldwide and drastically slowed down the Internet.
Exploiting caterpillars
Worms typically exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems and spread through e-mail or other file transmission capabilities found on networked computers. They often hide in parts of operating systems that are automatic and usually invisible to you. It is common for worms to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes considerable system resources, slowing down or halting other tasks.
Worms carrying damage
Many worms have been created only to spread and do not attempt to mess up computers they pass through. Other worms, however, carry a so-called "payload". A payload is code typically designed to do damage - it might delete files on your PC, encrypt files in an extortion attack, or attach itself to your outgoing e-mail. A very common payload for worms is to install a backdoor which can later be exploited by other malware, allowing the worm author to take control over infected computers.
BullGuard Internet Security protects you against worms
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