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Understanding Malware

Understanding Worms

Worms

Worms are a type of malware that are designed to spread from one computer to another. Unlike viruses, which attach themselves to existing files and programs, worms are standalone programs that replicate themselves and spread independently. Worms can be spread through email, instant messaging, file sharing, and other methods that involve network connections.

Spread

Once a worm has infected a computer, it can then use that computer to spread itself to other computers on the same network. This can cause the worm to spread very quickly, potentially infecting thousands of computers in a matter of hours. Worms can also be used to create botnets, which are networks of infected computers that can be controlled remotely by a hacker.

Famous Example

One of the most famous examples of a worm is the Morris worm, which was created in 1988 by a student named Robert Tappan Morris. The Morris worm spread to thousands of computers on the internet, causing widespread disruption and drawing attention to the need for better security measures.

Protection

To protect against worms, it's important to:

  • Keep your computer's operating system and antivirus software up to date.
  • Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
  • Be cautious when downloading files or software from the internet.
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