Synonyms: Computer worm, Email worm, Internet worm, Network worm
Worms are generally considered to be a subset of viruses, but with key differences. A worm is a computer program that replicates, but does not infect other files: instead, it installs itself on a victim computer and then looks for a way to spread to other computers.
From a user’s perspective, there are observable differences. In the case of a virus, the longer it goes undetected, the more infected files there will be on the victim computer. In the case of a worm, by contrast, there is just a single instance of the worm code. Moreover, the worm’s code is ‘self-standing’, rather than being added to existing files on the disk.
Like viruses, worms are often sub-divided according to the means they use to infect a system. E-mail worms are distributed as attachments to e-mail messages, IM worms are attached to messages sent using instant messaging programs (such as IRC or ICQ). P2P [peer-to-peer] worms use file-sharing networks to spread. Network worms spread directly over the LAN [Local Area Network] or across the Internet, often making use of a specific vulnerability.
The term ‘worm’ was coined by sci-fi writer John Brunner in his 1975 novel Shockwave Rider. The hero, a talented programmer, created self-replicating computer programs that tunneled their way through a worldwide network.
Read more:
