Computer worms reproduce to wreak havoc on computers and travel across network connections.
A worm can run independently and spread itself through network connections, according to virusall.com.
A 1988 worm copied infected every Sun-3 and VAX system with so many copies of itself that it destroyed those systems.
Types of worms
E-mail
Spread via infected e-mail messages. Any form of attachment or link in an email may contain a link to an infected website. Activation can start when the user clicks on the attachment or when clicking the link in the e-mail.
Known methods of proliferation:
- Microsoft Outlook
- Direct connection to SMTP servers
- Windows MAPI functions
Instant Messaging
Spread via instant messaging applications by sending links to infected websites to everyone on the local contact list.
Internet Worms
These virulent worms scan all available network resources using local operating system services and/or scan the Internet for vulnerable machines to gain full access to them.
Worms also scan the Internet for machines still open for exploitation. Data packets or requests will be sent, installing the worm or a worm downloader.
IRC Chats
Chat channels are targeted by sending infected files or links to infected websites.
File-sharing Networks
Copies itself into a shared folder, most likely located on the local machine. Worm is ready for download via the P2P network and spreading of the infected file will continue.
For more information, go to www.virusall.com.