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A worm is a self-reproducing computer  program. It makes copies of itself and sends them to various areas of your computer. (Computer worm – Wikipedia)A computer worm is also considered to be a subset of a virus even though it is not really a virus. (The difference between a Worm…)

Not all worms are bad. There have been attempts to create ‘good’ worms. for example a family of worms called “Nachi” have been created to help fix weak links in Microsofts host system. Another group of worms call XSS worms have been created to try and figure out how worms spread and work. (Computer worm – Wikipedia)

A computer worm is different from a normal virus because a worm can run itself whaeras a virus needs a host program to run it. Though some modern worms are hidden in files. The best way, that i know, to protect yourself from aquirring a worm is to have up-to-date anti-virus softwares. Worms spread similarly to Trojan Horses, so to prevent them be careful of email attachments and what you download. (What is a computer worm?)

Ways that a worm can affect you:
“   1. Email worms can “spoof” your email address (put your address as the sender of infected emails), making it look like you are sending spam and viruses even though you are not.
2. They can infiltrate your systems, sending out infected emails from your computer.
3. The more malicious viruses can erase your hard drive or completely disable your computer systems.
4. Some may install software on your system (remote access trojans – RATs) that allows others to access, steal, and/or change your computer files.” (Worm and Virus Artice)

An example of a worm :
“Be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm
malicious software (malware) which mention “F.B.I. vs. facebook”. The e-mail directs
the recipient to click on a link to view an article about the
FBI and Facebook. Once the user clicks on the link, malware is downloaded
to the Internet connected device and causes it to become infected and become part
of the Storm Worm botnet. A botnet is a network of compromised
machines under the control of a single user. Botnets are typically set up to facilitate
criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks,
and spreading malware to other machines on the Internet.” (Internet Crime Complaint)

Work Cited:

“Computer worm – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm>.

“Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Alert: Storm Worm virus.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/080730.aspx>.

“The Difference Between a Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2004/virus.asp>.

“What is a computer worm?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.tech-faq.com/computer-worm-virus.shtml>.

“Worm and Virus Article. How to Protect Against..” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/marketing_management/worm_virus.htm>.