The key difference between a computer worm and a virus is how a worm can spread copies of itself to uninfected machines completely on its own. For a workable computer worm definition, think of worms as self-sufficient malware able to execute and proliferate without user interaction. You don’...
While this self-replicating behavior is what defines a worm, the other effects of a worm vary from worm to worm. Many worms are designed only to spread themselves; these worms cause computer systems and networks to slow down by gradually filling up storage space and memory and overloading ne...
Learn what a worm virus is, the different kinds of worms, and how they spread. Discover how the Fortinet antivirus solution protects you from all kinds of malware.
Worm definition A worm is a form of malware (malicious software) that operates as a self-contained application and can transfer and copy itself from computer to computer. It’s this ability to operate autonomously, without the need for a host file or to hijack code on the host comp...
How do computer worms spread? While some computer worms require user action to initially propagate, such as clicking on a link, others can easily spread without user interaction. All that's necessary is for the computer worm to become active on an infected system. Once active, the worm can ...
What is a Computer Worm? A computer worm is a type ofmalwarethat spreads on its own, without any help from you. To explain the differences between computer viruses and worms: a virus needs user action, while worms move automatically acrossnetworks. Once a worm infects yourdevice, it can ...
Computers are also susceptible to other types of malware such ascomputer worms. Unlike a virus, a worm is a standalone program that can spread without human interaction. Other types of malware includespyware,ransomwareandtrojans. In some cases, viruses are used in conjunction with other types of...
Computer worms are a significant security concern because they self-replicate, are self-contained, and propagate through a computer's existing data transport mechanisms without any human interaction. A computer worm coupled with a Trojan virus — hybrid malware — is a worm with a Trojan payload ...
Computer Virus Definition Chances are you’ve heard how important it is to keep viruses out, but what is a computer virus exactly? A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that spreads between computers and causes damage to data and software. ...
A worm locates a computer’s vulnerability and spreads within its connected network like an infection, while continually seeking new vulnerabilities. Like viruses, worms often originate from e-mail attachments that appear to be from trusted senders. Worms then spread to a user’s contacts via his...