Characteristic of worms

 

          Computer worms can spread automatically without human initiation. In addition to being able to spread unassisted, computer worms have the ability to self-replicate. This means that worms can create multiple copies of themselves to send to other computers. This often happens through the sending of mass emails to infected users’ email contacts.

What does a worm do?

 

          Worms spread over computer networks by exploiting operating system vulnerabilities such as causing harm to their host networks by consuming bandwidth and overloading web servers.

 

          Computer worms can also contain “payloads” that damage host computers which are pieces of code written to perform actions on affected computers beyond simply spreading the worm. Furthermore, some payloads can even create backdoors in host computers that allow them to be controlled by other computers. 

 

          Therefore, malicious parties can then use the networks of these infected computers (“botnets”) to spread spam and perform denial-of-service attacks.

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Examples of notable worms

Stuxnet

Duqu

Flame

How to prevent worms?

 

1)Keep the computers’ operating system and software up-to-date with vendor-issued security releases. These updates often contain security patches designed to protect computers from newly discovered worms.

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2)Avoid opening emails that you don’t recognize or expect, as many computer worms spread via email.

 

3)Refrain from opening attachments and clicking on links from untrusted/unfamiliar sources.

 

4)Run a firewall and antivirus software to be further protected from computer worms.