Computer Worm - This Is how You Protect Your Computer | Free Antivirus

Computer Worm

How to recognize it and what to do about it

Whether in the press or from your own experience, you have certainly heard of a "computer worm" before. But what exactly is it and how do computer worms get onto a computer? How to protect yourself with free antivirus and your own behavior. 

Computer Worm: Definition

A computer worm is a computer program or script that can replicate itself once the file is executed. Computer worms belong to a large group of malware, also known as malware. 

Characteristics of Worms Are: 

• Computer worms spread via computer networks, the Internet, USB sticks, or other removable media. 
• A computer worm copies itself and can continue to spread independently without the need for a so-called "host file".  

• Worms can cause damage to the affected computers in a variety of ways. Often times, worms cripple computer networks by taking up critical storage space or resources. However, worms can also alter data or take control of another computer.  
• Common occurrence: as an email attachment

Computer worms are probably referred to as "worms" because they can reproduce themselves, much like earthworms. 

How Did the Computer Worm Get onto My Computer?

In contrast to a computer virus, the computer worm does not need a so-called "host" such as another computer file to reproduce and spread. This allows a worm to spread very quickly over a computer network and nestle in the operating system. The spread via infected USB sticks or storage media has become rarer in the age of the Internet. 

The worm consists of a small program or even just a script. This is a small file that performs certain arithmetic operations.  

Most commonly, computer worms get to other computers via an email attachment. As soon as a user clicks on the infected file, the computer worm starts its work. The small file copies itself and then searches directly for a possible vulnerability or security hole. If this is found, the worm sends itself to other computers in the network. These can be other e-mail recipients or other computer systems with their own IP address. Due to the increasing networking via the Internet, computer worms usually have an easy job and can spread even more strongly and faster.  

For a computer worm to install itself on your computer, it is not absolutely necessary that you actually click on the file concerned. Some worms also automatically activate their harmful function. In this case, it is sufficient to receive the infected file, for example as an email. Many worms use the principle of camouflage. This means that they behave like a known file or use a known file extension such as .docx or .pdf. Other worms use a Trojan horse to infiltrate computers. 

What Types of Computer Worms Are There?

Since the first email worm in 1988, computer worms have evolved in line with technological developments on the Internet. Here is an overview: 

P2P worms (peer-to-peer worms):	These worms spread via so-called P2P networks. Users connect via the Internet to exchange files with one another. To save network resources, for example, a large file is downloaded not just from one computer but in parts from several computers. The worm can use these network connections and spread.
Removable disk worms:	These computer worms are mainly transmitted via USB sticks or infected DVDs. However, as more and more files are downloaded over the Internet, this method of transmission has become rather rare for worms.
Smartphone worms:	Such a worm infects a smartphone and sends itself on via the user's address book, e.g. as WhatsApp or SMS.
Email worms:	Computer worms are very common in this form. They infect a computer via a malicious e-mail attachment, reproduce and send themselves via the user's e-mail contacts.
Instant messaging worms:	Anyone who uses Messenger such as Skype or WhatsApp can also use them to receive and spread computer worms. The worm simply accesses the contact lists and sends itself to all contacts in the telephone or address book.

What Damage Can a Worm Do to My Computer?

Worms mainly spread via networks. This puts a strain on the resources of these networks. This can lead to complete networks failing because, for example, servers are overloaded.  

A worm on your computer can prevent you from surfing the Internet or opening a Word file. Also, a computer worm can paralyze your entire computer.

Identifying Computer Worms: Signs of An Infestation

It is not always easy to tell whether your operating system has been infected by a worm. A manual scan with an anti-virus program can provide information. 

Possible Signs of A Worm Infestation Are: 

• Your computer suddenly becomes very slow. Even simple programs take a long time to open or they cannot be opened at all. 
• Your computer is doing work that you did not start. 
• You can no longer start your computer. 

• The utilization of your processor (CPU) shows 100 percent, although no programs are running. 

These signs can of course also have other causes or be caused by other malware such as viruses. In any case, it is important that you, the user, scan your computer with an effective anti-virus program and then safely remove the malware from the operating system. 

How Can I Protect My Computer Against Internet Worms?

The most important factor in protection against computer worms is your usage behavior.  

Do not download files from the Internet that you cannot trust.

Do not use USB sticks or other removable media from sources you do not know.

Always keep your software up-to-date and carry out all necessary updates.

Only visit trustworthy websites.

Only open e-mail attachments and e-mails from senders you know.

Use a firewall in your computer or router.

Encrypt the WiFi connection of your WiFi network.

Limit access to your computer over the home network.

Create a user on your computer and secure access with a password.

Install a virus protection program or activate Windows Defender on your Windows computer.