Worm

A computer worm contains malicious code that attacks host computers and spreads via a network. The basic difference between a virus and a worm is that worms can propagate by themselves; they are not dependent on host files (or boot sectors). Worms spread to email addresses in your contact list or exploit security vulnerabilities in network applications.

Worms are, therefore, much more viable than computer viruses. Due to the wide availability of the internet, they can spread across the globe within hours or even minutes after their release. This ability to replicate independently and rapidly makes them more dangerous than other types of malware.

A worm activated in a system can cause several inconveniences: It can delete files, degrade system performance, or even deactivate programs. The nature of a computer worm qualifies it as a “means of transport“ for other types of infiltrations.

If your computer is infected with a worm, we recommend you delete the infected files because they likely contain malicious code.