A computer worm is malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers. This malicious software often uses a computer network to spread, taking advantage of security flaws on the target computer to access it. Worms almost always cause some damage to the network, even if it only consumes bandwidth, while viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a target computer.
Many worms are designed just to spread and do not try to change the systems they go through. However, as the Morris and MyDoom worm demonstrated, even these types of worms can cause major disruptions by increasing network traffic and other unwanted effects.
What do Computer Worms do?
The main objective of worms is to spread and affect as many devices as possible. To do this, they create copies of themselves on the affected computer, which they later distribute through different means, such as email or P2P programs, among others.
Worms often use social engineering techniques to be more effective. To do this, malware writers select an attractive theme or name to disguise the malicious file. The most recurring topics are those related to sex, celebrities, current affairs or pirated software.
We replicate computer viruses by sending infected attachments through emails, instant messages, etc., to other users. Like us, they unknowingly download and open the attached file.
To protect ourselves from this type of malware, there are a series of tips that will help you make your device much safer against worms:
▸Avoid opening unknown messages and attachments.
▸Do not use unsecured web pages (that do not have the lock in the corner).
▸Update your operating systems.
And do not forget the most important thing to protect yourself from all types of viruses use good antivirus protection, for that you will have to obtain an antivirus plan.
