Worms


 * Worms **

A **computer worm** is a self-replicating computer program It uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computers on the network) and it may do so without any user intervention. This is due to the poor security the computers infected have. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms almost always cause at least some harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer.

Protecting yourself against worms. Computer worms which spread through vulnerabilities in network services.can best be protected against by keeping the antivirus up-to-date and installing patches provided by operating system and application vendors. This includes worms like SQL Slammer and Blaster. Computer worms which spread like Trojan Horses can best be defended against by avoiding opening of attachments in your e-mail. These infected attachments are not limited to .EXE files. Microsoft Word and Excel files can contain macros which spread infection.