Computer worm
What
they really are!
|
|
A computer worm is a virus that
replicates itself. It is usually delivered via email as an
attachment. A trusting, not knowing computer user then
opens the attachment, which will unleash the virus to do its
job.
Some of the most famous viruses in history have been worm
viruses. |
These types of viruses can bring down large
corporate networks and infect millions of computers worldwide within
hours.
Usually, the biggest job of the computer worm is to steal
email addresses and deliver them to a remote location for the use of
spam or computer viral infections.
Computer worms often work had
in had with Trojan viruses. The Trojan helps it break into computer
systems and the worm then steals email addresses.
Luckily these types of
viruses are not very hard to remove with anti virus software. If you do
happen to think you may have a computer worm virus, you should run a virus scan
right away.
The problem is, once a
computer
worm is released it spreads very fast. Computers and networks that are
not properly protected with the latest security updates are then at a
high risk of infection.
One of the bets things
anyone can do is to make sure their computer or network always has the
latest security updates. If more computer users were to make sure they
had updates installed worms would become almost non-existent.
So how do you keep
yourself protected from a computer worm when you do not know much about
them? There are a few things you can do to help limit the spread of
worm viruses. Below is an outline to help:
1.
Maintain good anti virus software
2.
If you have a broadband connection,
buy a router
3.
Use a PC firewall if you do not have
a router
4.
Never open email attachments from
anyone you do not know
5.
Make sure windows updates are
installed once a month
6.
Limit the use of file share programs
You can read are other
articles about routers, windows updates and firewalls below.
Computer router - Why you need one now
windows firewall - how to use it
windows xp update - Why you need to do
this
Last but not least
let’s cover file sharing programs. Some problems with these programs
can arise when kids or other computer users log onto their parents
machine and use these programs, which can lead to the computer worm.
Or computer users just
do not understand how file sharing can spread viruses or computer worms. Of course your
best bet is to not use them at all.
However if you do use
them, you should scan every file you download for viruses.
Many files on these
networks are infested with viruses and people download them
unsuspectingly. They then sit on this computer for others to download
a computer worm.
Bottom line, if you
use these programs you should check your computer for viruses and the
computer worm once a
week.
A computer worm is a
fast moving virus that computer users sometimes do not even know they
get until they run a virus scan. By then the damage has been done.
By being
aware of viruses such as the computer worm and running timely virus scan
we can limit the spread of spam.
Back from computer
worm |
