What is a worm and how it hits a computer?

There are few worms today. In any case, not so much, as about Trojans or miners. Probably, therefore, many make up the impression that the worm is some kind of non-serious problem. Now you will learn why it is not necessary to underestimate it.

worm worlier other computer threats by having the ability to self-copy. Unlike a virus, which requires a connection with a computer to launch replication, the worm is a fully offline program. It differs from the virus in its pure manifestation.

sounds dangerous, right? And for sure you already want to know how such a tricky beast gets into a computer and what signs give it to presence.

What is a computer worm?

The worm is a kind of malicious software that copies itself from one device to another. Unlike a virus, the worm does not need to be cling to any software to start the script to perform its functions, and therefore it represents a serious danger to an infected computer.

How is the infection of the worm?

Computer worm - a priestly malware, which spreads through ingenious tactics: penetrating the vulnerable device, the worm hides on the local network and starts replication.

The main path is inside the computer - vulnerabilities in the operating system. The worm can be programmed to keep a hidden lifestyle inside the OS, unnoticed by its black affairs.

Another common way of infection - Electronic spam letters, messages in messengers and investments in them. Without social engineering, it does not do it: the text of the message convinces the user to open the attachment or click on the link, and then everything goes as the attacker has planned.

USB flash drives and portable drives can also be a means of propagation of worms.

How do you find out that the worm started on the computer?

If you suspect that the worm is located on your computer, the first action is to immediately start the anti-virus scanning. Worms are not viruses in a classic manifestation, but many antivirus programs are able to detect their presence.

A negative result is not a reason to relax. The malware may be cunning standard check algorithms. Here are obvious signs for which you can assume the presence of a worm in your system.

1. Email strange investments. There are incomprehensible origin files in E-Maleh? During the launch of attachments, dialog box pop up? Does the computer behave somehow atypically? If you answered "yes" at least one of these questions, the presence of a worm in the system is very likely.
2. On the hard disk suddenly ended the place. The worms are characterized by multiple copying, and they quickly fill the constant memory. If you notice that the free space has become less, and you have not downloaded anything large in recent times, the culprit can be a worm.
3. problems with with a capacity of appear. Program errors, the slow response of the interface may indicate that the computer resources eats the Worm.
4. Files disappear. Willves are able to delete, replace and create new files. With suspicious behavior of files, get ready to act - the computer is most likely infected with something.
5. programs fly out. Write the habit to quickly understand why one or another program began to behave in a strange way. Often worms are completing the work of critical processes, thereby interfering to run and use useful applications. The fact that they are able to delete files has already been said.

Examples of worms

The first computer worm known as Jerusalem, older than many of our readers - it was created in 1987. Others who have fallen not less than the troubles are Morris's worm (1988), Storm Worm (2007) and SQL Slammer (2003).

Computer worms do not have a clear classification, but they can be divided into types depending on the distribution paths.

1. Internet worms. They are introduced into sites with weak protection, copy themselves to the user's computer who visits the infected resource. After that, the spread of a malicious code is already inside the local network over all connected devices.
2. Postal worms. The path of infection by mail worm - messages in email and their attachments. Often such "gifts" have a double extension, for example, MP4.exe or.avi.exe. The user who did not give values ​​to the second extension will think that he was sent to the media file, and as soon as it presses the "Download" button, the copies of the infected program will instantly fly throughout the addresses listed in the contact list.
3. Im-worms. Worms for messengers are distributed in the same way as their postal comrades - through links in instant messaging services. Often they are masked for harmless Internet addresses (link Instagram. Com may notice at all where it seems) or short phrases like "lol", "urgently see". Since the user does not see the full address for the transition, it can lose vigilance and perhaps curious. And if the message arrived from a familiar contact, then it will be in mind to check the link to safety.
4. Worms for file sharing. Sharing files and P2P protocols in some countries are considered illegal, but they are still widely used as a way to share media files. Worms for file sharing machines are disguised under the media with a double extension and fall on the victim's computer when downloading.

How to deal with worms

on the computer It is very important to have a comprehensive security tool from reliable developer. Many of them provide protection not only from Trojan, miners and classic viruses, but also from worms.

When scanning the device, they will detect the place where the worm is hidden and disappeared with it. But as we know, the main weak point of the computer is not flawed in the operating system, but a person sitting in front of the monitor. Therefore, we remind you how to behave in order not to give the worms and other malware to enter the system.

1. Update all software. System security holes and installed applications - the right way to infect computer. Do not postpone updates if they are already available because there are patches to eliminate vulnerabilities.
2. Read emails carefully. Phishing - a very popular tactic of the spread of worms and other maliciousness. Do not open letters from unknown senders. And if you opened - do not try to download the attachments. And if you downloaded... a little above it was said how to cure a computer.
3. Do not proceed by incomprehensible links. This also applies to email letters, and just surfing the Internet. Do not click on the links, if you do not know for sure, on what resource they lead. Remember: The attackers can hide the true URL so that even when the cursor is hovering at the bottom of the browser window will display the fake address.
4. Do not regret money for a good antivirus. Buying a comprehensive antivirus will save you and your loved ones from a lot of problems. Make sure the product you choose offers a set of protection features against phishing, viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc.

Be proactive

Worms are useful for the garden, but not for the computer. Proactive measures are needed against them.

Protect your computer with antivirus and firewall, read cybercrime news, stay vigilant on the Internet. We understand that these tips sound trite, because they have already been mentioned a million times, but it is really very important to follow them. Who knows - maybe by repelling a worm attack on your computer today, you will save someone in your contact list from harm.