Definition of Worms

More recently becoming confused with viruses as features converge, worms use networks to send copies of themselves to other computers.  Unlike viruses, worms to not need to attach or infect other files on a computer in order to spread.  Worms are always harmful, if only because they can spread in large volumes consuming much or all network traffic.

Several variants of worms currently exist in the wild:

• Email worms - Often the worm will arrive as an email, with an attachment containing the worm code.  Opening of the attachment will then cause the worm to activate, sending itself out to more computers via the users address book.
• Instant messaging worms - Spread through services such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and AOL Messenger, generally sending a link to users on a contact list, linking to webpage that will infect the viewers computer.
• IRC worms - Similarly the Instant messaging worms, links to infected users are sent to users contacts.
• File-sharing network worms - Spread as a fake version of another file, or through security holes in file sharing applications, this worm would place itself in a shared folder ready to be downloaded by other unwitting users.
• Internet worms - Targeting low-level aspects of network connections, using exploits to access computers memory and continue to spread.

Payloads carried by worms vary - many carry nothing and are simply designed to spread.  Threatening and dangerous payloads can include anything, as well as other individual types of malware such as spyware.

If you would like more information or believe malware has infected your computer, please contact me to discuss removal.  I provide a nationwide UK malware removal service that will return your computer to normal and often improve it's speed and reliability.