Definition of Computer Worm
When someone mentions
"worms" you are probably thinking of wriggling creatures that
children play with and adults use as bait for fishing. Whether you like them or
not, worms are completely harmless, unless we are talking about computer worms.
Computer worm is very dangerous than computer virus.
Summary: A computer worm is a
piece of software that replicates itself from one computer to another. Unlike a
virus, it is a stand-alone program that does not require a host. It does not
typically target files located on an individual computer. It spreads over
entire networks, attempting to create large botnets. Keep reading to learn more
about computer worms.
What Is A Computer Worm?
A computer worm is a piece of
malware that reproduces itself from computer to computer in order to supplant
the entire computer network. Most worms are designed to infiltrate systems by
exploiting vulnerabilities in their security. Few of them also attempt to
change system settings but are just as dangerous because they use up a lot of
bandwidth and other valuable resources.
If a worm is harmful and not only
used to violate the security system, the code developed to carry out the attack
is called a “payload”. Payloads are usually written to modify or delete files
on a target network, extract personal data from them or encrypt them and demand
a ransom from the victim.
Despite the fact that many people
use the two terms at their leisure, computer worms are not computer viruses. By
definition, viruses target individual computers, while worms use computer
networks to create botnets. In addition, viruses are usually associated with
legitimate files or programs while computer worms are stand-alone and do not
require a host file.
What Are The Types Of Computer Worms?
It will be nothing wrong in
saying that there are many computer worms present in the world. Many of them
have been isolated and are now routinely detected and eliminated by the
majority of the best
antivirus software. However, new worms are developed almost every day and
can sometimes go unnoticed by the user until it is too late.
There is no universal
classification of computer worms, but they can be organized into different
types depending on how they are disseminated between computers. The five most common
types are:
a. To the internet
Just as they do for
computer networks, computer worms also target popular websites that are
insufficiently protected. When successful in infecting the site, computer worms
can reproduce themselves on any computer used to access the site in question.
The computer worms are then distributed to other computers connected through
the internet and local area network connections.
b. To email
Email worms are most often
spread through compromised email attachments. They usually have double
extensions (for example .mp4.exe or .avi.exe) to make the recipient think they
are media files and not computer malware programs. When victims click on the
attachment, copies of the same infected file are automatically sent to
addresses in their address books.
An email that distributes
a computer worm may not contain a downloadable attachment / the body of the
message itself may contain a shortened link so that the recipient will not be
able to find out what it is without clicking on it. When the recipient clicks
on the link, they are redirected to an infected website which automatically
starts downloading the malware on their computer.
c. Instant messaging worms
Instant messaging worms
are exactly the same as email worms, the only difference being the method of
delivery. Here, too, they are disguised as attachments or links to websites
that can be clicked on. They are often accompanied by short messages such as
“LOL” or “You must see this! To lure the victim into thinking that one of his
friends is sending him a funny video to watch.
When the user clicks on
the link or attachment, whether in Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype or other popular
messaging app, the same message will be sent to their contacts. Unless the worm
has reproduced on their computer, users can resolve this issue by changing
their password.
d. File sharing worms
Although illegal, file
sharing and peer-to-peer file transfers are still used by millions of people
around the world, who unknowingly expose their computers to the threat of file
sharing worms. Like e-mail and instant messaging worms, these programs are
disguised as double-extended media files.
When the victim opens the
downloaded file to view or listen to it, he downloads the worm to his computer.
Even if it looks like it has downloaded a media file, a malicious executable
file could be hidden in that file and install itself silently the first time
the media file is opened.
e. To IRC
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
is an outdated messaging application that was all the rage at the turn of the
century. Much like today's instant messaging platforms, computer worms were
disseminated through messages containing links and attachments. These were less
effective due to the extra layer of protection that suggested users accept
incoming files before the transfer took place.
How to Eliminate a Computer Worm?
Only the best antivirus software can
help detect and eliminate certain types of computer worms. If you suspect that
your computer may have been infected, it is important to perform a scan and
immediately remove the compromised files from your system.
Since worms exploit system and
software vulnerabilities, you should make sure to always use the most recent
versions of applications. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system
to ensure your computer is protected against worms and other potential threats.
Do not click on any links or attachments unless you are absolutely certain that
the link was sent by your friends and that it is not a worm.
Finally, and to make sure that
your computer stays secure online, you need to invest in the best antivirus software.
The right software will help you provide real-time protection to your computer
and fend off all threats including worms, viruses, malware, spyware and
ransomware.
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